Man brandishing a knife attempts to gain entry to a car with the driver inside

Matt Shrivell
The Nightly
Police are investigating a potential robbery in Merewether.
Police are investigating a potential robbery in Merewether. Credit: AAP

Police are on the hunt for a knife-wielding man who attempted to gain forced access to a car with an occupant inside in a Newcastle suburb this morning.

The incident occurred around 5.15am and emergency services were called to Ridge Street, Merewether, following reports a man had attempted to open the door of a parked car. Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were told a man – armed with a knife - attempted to open the car door of a vehicle before hitting the window. The man the left the scene in a white Holden Captiva – which had been reported stolen – before police arrived on the scene. There were no reports of injuries. A crime scene has been established and investigations continue. Anyone who may have been in the area at the time and has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 00.

Meanwhile, Newcastle Detectives are appealing for information as part of ongoing inquiries into an armed robbery at Wallsend in 2022.

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At about 5.20pm on Friday 21 January 2022, a man entered a tobacconist on Cowper Street, Wallsend, and threatened the store attendant with a knife, demanding money.

The attendant complied and the man then left the store with cash. He was last seen heading towards the Ironbark Creek Bridge near Dan Rees Street.

Officers from Newcastle City Police were notified and commenced an investigation into the robbery under Strike Force Beahan.

Police would like to speak to this man  about an armed robbery in Newcastle.
Police would like to speak to this man about an armed robbery in Newcastle. Credit: Supplied

As inquiries continue, police have released images (above) of a man who might be able to assist police with inquiries.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged between 25-35, of medium/athletic build, and about 180cm tall.

At the time, he was wearing a face mask, dark cap, dark shirt and shorts.

Police also wish to speak with the driver of a white Nissan Navara utility with a trailer seen in the area around the time of the incident.

Anyone who has information that might assist police is asked to contact Newcastle City Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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