A police officer has been charged after the alleged on-duty assault of a man in Newcastle in January.

On Wednesday 27 January 2016, the senior constable, attached to a local area command in the Northern Region, was involved in a pursuit with a vehicle in the Newcastle Area.

When the pursuit came to an end the officer allegedly assaulted the 29-year-old male driver during the arrest, causing minor injuries.

Following an investigation, the officer was yesterday (Tuesday 28 June 2016), served with a Future Court Attendance Notice for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault.

He is expected to appear before Newcastle Local Court on 11 August 2016.

The officer has been suspended from duty with pay.

Two men have been charged following an alleged assault with a machete at Windale earlier this year.

On Friday 1 April 2016 it is alleged that a man stabbed another man three times during an altercation. Police were informed of the incident but the 26-year-old injured man refused to co-operate with officers.

Shortly before 11.00am on Thursday 16 June 2016 it is alleged that the 26-year-old man went to a home on Balemo Crescent, Windale, with the 37-year-old man. A 22-year-old man was already inside the house, allegedly armed with a machete.

Police will allege the 22-year-old man struck the 26-year-old man three times with a machete.

The 26-year-old man sustained serious injuries including a severed finger during the attack.

The 26-year-old man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics and conveyed to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.

On Monday 27 June 2016 the 22-year-old man attended Belmont Police Station for an unrelated matter where he was arrested and charged with cause grievous bodily harm with intent. He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 7 July 2016.

On Tuesday 28 June 2016 police conducted a crime scene warrant at Balemo Crescent, Windale where the 37-year-old man was arrested and charged with the cause grievous bodily harm with intent. He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today, Wednesday 29 June 2016.

Police are appealing for public assistance after an explosion caused significant damage to a surf club in the Lake Macquarie region.
About 10pm (Tuesday 28 June 2016), there was an explosion in the public toilets of the Redhead Beach Surf Club.

The blast caused serious damage to the ceiling and roof of the premises and also caused a window to blow out.

Police attended and established a crime scene which was examined by forensic specialists.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command are conducting inquiries.

Police are treating this as a hoodlum incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.