Australia: Man Arrested After Two Alleged Knife-Point Robberies in Newcastle

Newcastle, Australia | Police in New South Wales have arrested a 48-year-old man following two alleged armed robbery incidents at businesses in the Newcastle area within a few hours on Friday.

According to police reports, the first incident occurred at a newsagency in New Lambton at around 8 a.m. A man wearing a hood allegedly threatened an employee with a knife believed to be around 30 centimetres long. The employee refused to hand over money, and the alleged offender left the premises without taking any cash.

Second Robbery Reported Hours Later

Approximately three hours later, police received another report from an Ampol service station on King Street in Warners Bay.

Investigators allege that a hooded man threatened an employee with a long knife and demanded money. The suspect reportedly left the business with a small amount of cash.

Police established crime scenes at both locations and began examining evidence to determine whether the same person was responsible for both incidents.

48-Year-Old Man Arrested

The investigation led officers to a residence on Fassifern Road in Fassifern. Police arrested a 48-year-old man and took him into custody for questioning.

Authorities said they were not searching for any other suspects in connection with the two incidents. No injuries were reported in either alleged robbery.

Police were expected to lay charges later on Friday as the investigation continued.

The incidents have raised concerns among local businesses, particularly because the two alleged robberies occurred within a relatively short period and involved threats with a knife.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding both incidents. As with all criminal allegations, the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.