Newcastle man arrested after vehicle fire in Merewether

A 32-year-old man has been arrested following a vehicle fire in Merewether, Newcastle, on Wednesday, September 9. Police patrolling City Road observed a vehicle on fire shortly before 2:50 p.m., which resulted in significant damage to the vehicle and a nearby power pole.

During the incident, a police officer required treatment from NSW Ambulance paramedics for smoke inhalation. Fire and Rescue NSW crews responded to the scene to extinguish the blaze, which involved two vehicles and a power pole.

Authorities arrested the man nearby and seized a lighter allegedly found in his possession. He has been charged with multiple offences, including contravening an apprehended violence order, aggravated damage to a vehicle by fire or explosion, and damaging property by fire or explosion. The man was granted strict conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in Newcastle Local Court next week.