An elderly man has died after an alleged assault at a Charlestown shopping centre car park on Wednesday morning.
Emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway about 9.50am after reports of an attack.
The 83-year-old man was found unresponsive and died before paramedics could assist.
Police established a crime scene as detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District launched a full investigation into the incident.
Around 1pm, a 53-year-old man attended Newcastle City Police Station, where he was arrested.
He has since been charged with murder and assault with intent to rob while armed with an offensive weapon causing grievous bodily harm.
The man was refused bail and will face Bail Division Court 2 on Thursday, 21 August 2025.
This tragedy has shocked the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle community, with police urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has CCTV from the area to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.