A 58-year-old man has been charged following a violent and dangerous confrontation with police during an operation in Muswellbrook last week.

About 2pm on Thursday 25 June 2026, officers from the Hunter Valley Police District attended a property on Parkinson Avenue to execute an arrest warrant.

Police say the man allegedly resisted arrest and threatened officers with a compound bow, prompting a perimeter to be established and the Tactical Operations Unit to be called in.

During the extended operation, it is alleged the man poured fuel throughout the home and threw gas bottles towards police.

At about 6am on Friday 26 June 2026, tactical officers forced entry into the property. Police allege the man then threw an improvised explosive device at officers, setting them alight.

The officers were able to extinguish themselves at the scene before the man was brought under control using beanbag rounds and arrested.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for further assessment.

Several officers also received treatment at the scene for minor burns to the face, arms and neck. They did not require further hospital treatment.

A subsequent search of the property allegedly located and seized a number of offensive weapons, including a mace, crossbow and cannabis.

The man has been charged with 19 offences, including throwing an explosive with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and assaulting police.

He was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 2 on Tuesday 30 June 2026, where he was formally refused bail to appear at a later date.