🔥 BREAKING:
A 42-year-old man is set to face court today after being charged over two alleged arson attacks that rocked a Newcastle gym earlier this year.
Emergency services were first called to a gym on Albert Street in Wickham about 10pm on January 20, 2026. Police arrived to find the front door smashed and minor fire damage inside the lobby.
Just days later, around 11.50pm on January 23, crews were again called to the same gym — this time to reports of smoke pouring from the building. Firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished a blaze on the ground floor, but not before the fire caused significant damage.
Detectives from Newcastle Police District established a crime scene and launched an investigation under Strike Force Halesworth.
The case took another dramatic turn on February 4, when a vehicle allegedly linked to the fires was found burning in bushland at Salamander Bay.
Following extensive investigations, police executed a search warrant at a home on Keel Street, Salamander Bay, about 7.30am today. A 42-year-old man was arrested and taken to Nelson Bay Police Station.
He has been charged with three counts of damaging property by fire or explosion and was refused bail. He is due to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today.
Investigations under Strike Force Halesworth are continuing.
