Police are investigating following a fatal crash near Newcastle this afternoon.

About 3.40pm (Friday 12 August 2016), emergency services were called to the Pacific Motorway at Beresfield, following reports of a collision between a motorcycle and a B-double in the north-bound lane.

The rider was assisted by Ambulance Paramedics; however died at the scene.

The driver of the truck was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

No further details are known at this stage.

A man has been charged after a road rage incident between two neighbours in the Lake Macquarie area.

About 10.30pm yesterday (Thursday 11 August 2016), two vehicles almost collided on Newark Street, Buttaba.

After the incident the two male drivers arrived at their homes nearby and became involved in an argument, during which one of the men, aged 41, allegedly threatened the other man, aged 26.

The older man then allegedly retrieved a slug gun from his home and fired it at the other man’s house.

Police from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command attended.

Inside the 41-year-old’s home police allegedly seized a slug gun which had a shortened barrel.

He was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with malicious damage and firearm offences including possess shortened firearm in manner likely to injure property/person.

He was refused bail to appear at Toronto Local Court today (Friday 12 August 2016).