Police are appealing for information after a 73-year-old woman and her friend were robbed in Lambton last night.

About 6pm (Saturday 30 July 2016), the woman and her friend arrived at a home on Armstrong Street and commenced to unpack the boot of a vehicle.

The pair entered a unit and a short time later, an unknown man appeared at the premises, before threatening the pair and demanding their handbags.

The man fled the scene, taking two handbags. The women were uninjured.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Local Area Command were called and established a crime scene.

As inquiries into the incident continue, police would like to speak to a man who may be able to assist them.

He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 30-years-old, of medium build, and was seen wearing a beanie.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward and contact local police via Crime Stoppers.

Police are appealing for public assistance as they investigate six separate vehicle fires in the Lake Macquarie Local Area Command, which are believed to be linked.

About 3am this morning (Sunday 31 July 2016), emergency services were called to Kolang and Biwong Streets, and surrounding areas in Blacksmiths, following reports of at least six vehicles on fire.

Fire & Rescue NSW officers attended and extinguished the blazes. No one was injured.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command have established a number of crime scenes, and are investigating the cause of the fires.

Initial inquiries have led police to believe the incidents are all linked and are suspicious.

Any witnesses, or anyone with information, are urged to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.

A man has been charged after a search warrant north of Newcastle.

Following an investigation by officers from Port Stephens Local Area Command, about 3pm today (Friday 29 July 2016), officers executed a search warrant at a home on Ford Avenue, Medowie.

Police arrested a 35-year-old man who is the subject of a Firearms Prohibition Order.

During a search of the home, police allegedly located a shortened rifle, a shotgun, a small quantity of crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’), a replica handgun, ammunition, and a butterfly knife.

The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with possess prohibited drug; possess restricted substance; possess prohibited weapon; possess ammunition; possess shortened firearm; possess unauthorised firearm; possess unauthorised pistol; not keep firearm safe; and firearm found at premises subjected to a firearms prohibition order.

He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Bail Court tomorrow (Saturday 30 July 2016).

A 44-year-old woman who was reported missing from Beresfield last weekend has been found.

The woman was found on John Renshaw Drive, about 1.20pm today (Wednesday 27 July 2016).

She has been taken to hospital for treatment.

Police wish to thank the community and media for their assistance.

Police are re-appealing for witnesses to come forward, following a critical incident investigation into the death of a woman while in custody at Maitland Police Station last week.

About 12.45am (Tuesday 19 July 2016), police located and detained a 36-year-old woman who was walking along Wollumbi Road, Cessnock, and appeared intoxicated.

Police had concerns for her welfare and conveyed her to Maitland Police Station.

About 6am the woman was found deceased.

A Critical Incident Team from Newcastle is currently investigating all circumstances surrounding the incident, with that investigation subject to independent review.

Investigators are hoping to speak with an anonymous male person who called police, and the occupants of a blue Commodore, who witnessed the woman’s actions prior to the arrival of police.

All information will be provided to the Coroner who will determine the cause of death and make any findings about the events leading to the woman’s death.