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Police are appealing to the community to assist in locating two teens missing from Muswellbrook.

Nikita Brandon and Rachel Woodhouse, both 14-years-old, were last seen by family at 5.30pm on Monday 13 July 2015, in Reef Way.

The teens have not been seen or heard from since and there are concerns for their welfare.

Police are led to believe they may be travelling in the Newcastle area.

Nikita is described as being Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with a thin build and long dark hair. She was last seen wearing blue skinny jeans, a white singlet top, pink jacket and flat black shoes.

Rachel is described as being Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, with a thin build and dark hair She was last seen wearing light coloured top with dark blue track pants.

Investigations are continuing.

Police are investigating after a fatal crash in the Hunter yesterday.

About 5.25pm (Thursday 16 July 2015), a semi-trailer was travelling southbound on the M1 at West Wallsend, when it struck a 39-year-old man in lane one.

A Highway Patrol officer, who was nearby, rendered assistance to the pedestrian; however, he died at the scene.

Police and emergency services attended and road closures were in place for a number of hours.

The 27-year-old male truck driver was taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.

The crash is being investigated by specialist officers from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit and they are appealing for anyone with information that may assist their inquiries to contact Crime Stoppers.

Police from Hunter Valley Local Area Command are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash in Muswellbrook last week.

About 10.15pm on Thursday 9 July 2015, a 34-year-old Kingswood man was riding a Kawasaki motorcycle on Wollombi Road, when it appears he collided with a curb, before losing control.

The rider came off the bike and collided heavily with a letterbox.

He was taken by Ambulance Paramedics to John Hunter Hospital with serious injuries. His condition deteriorated through the week and he died on Tuesday (14 July 2015).

An investigation is underway and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Police have charged two men with alleged links to Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG), after they allegedly kidnapped and robbed a man in Belmont earlier this week.

About 6pm on Wednesday (15 July 2015), two men allegedly attended the home of a 22-year-old man known to them, and threatened him with a shotgun before assaulting him.

The men drove the 22-year-old man in his car, to a car park at Redhead Beach, where they allegedly further threatened him with a shotgun, assaulted him, and stole his wallet, before fleeing.

The man later drove himself to Belmont Hospital, where police were notified and an investigation commenced.

About 10.40am today (Thursday 16 July 2015), a 22-year-old Speers Point man was arrested in Toronto and taken to Toronto Police Station.

Following his arrest, a search warrant was executed at a home on Berkeley St, Speers Point where a shotgun, ammunition, cash, and a number of other items were seized. The items will undergo forensic examinations.

About 3pm today, police executed a search warrant at a home on Harrison Street, Belmont, and found a shotgun, ammunition, drugs believed to ecstasy, and other items. The items were seized and will undergo forensic examinations.

At the home, police arrested a 20-year-old man. He was taken to Charlestown Police Station.

Both men were charged with special aggravated kidnapping, robbery whilst armed with a dangerous weapon in company, recklessly cause grievous bodily harm. Both men were refused bail.

The 22-year-old man is due to appear at Toronto Local Court tomorrow (Friday 17 July 2015), and the 20-year-old man is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow.

Police in the Hunter have issued a warning to motorists travelling in the area to take extreme caution as weather conditions continue to affect local roads.

In particular, motorists are advised to avoid the Barrington Tops Forest Road at Moonan Brook unless it is absolutely necessary for them to use it. Due to icy and wet conditions, only 4WDs will be able to travel along the roadway.

Police will continue to monitor conditions on the road and may close it later this afternoon if conditions deteriorate further.
Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500, or visit their website: www.ses.nsw.gov.au.

An investigation is underway after a man was shot in the leg near Newcastle this morning.

Police from Newcastle City Local Area Command were called to Platt Street at Waratah shortly before 6am (Sunday 12 July 2015), responding to reports that a man was injured.

They arrived to find the man with a gunshot wound to his right knee.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where he is undergoing treatment. The injury is not believed to be life-threatening.

A crime scene was established in Platt Street and police are now appealing for anyone in the area at the time – and who may have information about the incident or people or a vehicle leaving – to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man in a unit fire this morning.

Just after 12.40am (Sunday 12 July 2015), emergency services were called to a unit on Glebe Road after reports smoke was coming from inside the premises.

Fire & Rescue NSW officers forced entry to the unit and extinguished a small fire.

On gaining entry, fire officers located a 64-year-old man unconscious in a bedroom.

Fire officers commenced CPR but were unable to save the man.

Police from Newcastle City Local Area Command, including detectives and crime scene were also in attendance.

At this early stage the fire does not appear to be suspicious.

Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner outlining the full circumstances surrounding the death.