Police appeal after suspicious fire at Wickham Gym

newy.com.au – NSW Police have issued an appeal for information after a suspicious fire damaged the AirLocker Gym on Albert Street in Wickham, just after midnight on Friday 23 January 2026.

Emergency services were called to the Wickham premises after reports of smoke coming from the building. Fire and Rescue NSW crews found a fire burning on the ground floor and extinguished it, leaving smoke and water damage to the lower level.

Newcastle detectives are investigating under Strike Force Halesworth and believe the incident may be linked to another similar incident in the district on Tuesday 20 January 2026.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene at the site, which was later forensically examined.

As part of the inquiry, police have released CCTV footage showing two men and a small, light-coloured vehicle in the area around the time of the fire. Investigators have urged anyone who saw people acting suspiciously on the night, or who has dashcam footage, to contact police.

Police described one man as of medium height and build, wearing long pants, a hooded jumper and joggers. The second is described as medium to thin build, wearing long pants, a hooded jumper, socks and slides.

Anyone with information about either incident has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online, with information managed confidentially.

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