MAJOR INCIDENT NEAR CESSNOCK: Man In Custody After He Barricaded Himself Inside Home at Millfield

A large-scale police operation unfolded this morning in Millfield, located southwest of Cessnock, involving a heavy presence of emergency services, including ambulances, fire engines, rescue vehicles, and a tactical group from Sydney.

According to reports, police surrounded a house on Wollombi Road after a man reportedly threatened to blow himself up around 1:00 am. The situation led to extensive road closures and the temporary closure of local businesses, including the Central Millfield General Store and Noel Marsh & Sons, who specialise in firewood, fence posts, and sawn timber.

Additionally, Millfield Public School remained closed today, with authorities in contact with the Department of Education and Emergency Services. Local radio station Newy 87.8 confirmed that students were not at risk, and Dan Repacholi MP reassured the public that all children are safe.

Throughout the morning, social media activity reflected a community on edge. A resident, Jay Pip Bamblett, shared details of seeing tactical vehicles speeding towards Millfield, with a convoy of black BMW SUVs marked “tactical unit” spotted in Mulbring. Another motorist on the M1 Pacific Motorway reported tactical vehicles racing past her earlier in the day.

At approximately 9:25 am, negotiators were reportedly engaging with the man inside the property. By 10:30 am, police had arrested the 36-year-old man without incident. He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he is currently assisting police with their inquiries.

A police statement confirmed that the operation began around 1:30 am when officers from the Hunter Valley Police District responded to reports that a man had barricaded himself inside a home on Wollombi Road. Following the establishment of a perimeter, the man was arrested later in the morning, bringing the situation to a peaceful resolution.

Fire & Rescue NSW units were stood down from the scene at 11:40 am, though local residents reported that roads remained closed, and movement in the area was still restricted.

Social media reactions ranged from concern that “Millfield will never be the same” to messages of support for neighbours, with one resident saying, “Hope you are well, if you need anything, send me a text.” Others tried to reassure the community, stating, “We are okay, it’s very quiet because the road is still closed.”

Dan Repacholi MP advised the public to avoid the area while the operation was active, noting that the school closure was a precaution.

As of now, official updates from the NSW Police Force have provided more clarity on the situation, and residents are encouraged to stay clear of the area until further notice.

More details will be provided as they become available.

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