newy.com.au – A 14 year old boy has been charged over a motorhome fire at Wallsend that left a 69 year old man critically injured.
Detectives investigating the fire under Strike Force Bahl arrested the boy at a Wallsend home about 8am on Thursday 5 November 2026, assisted by officers from the Northern Region Operations Support Group.
The boy was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with damage property by fire/explosives greater than $15,000 and reckless grievous bodily harm.
He was refused bail and appeared before a children’s court that day, where bail was again refused. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday 13 November.
Emergency services were called to Fogo Street shortly before 6am on Thursday 29 October and found a motorhome parked on the street ablaze.
Newcastle City Police District officers were told a member of the public had helped rescue the 69 year old man from the burning vehicle.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated him for burns before he was taken to John Hunter Hospital and later airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital. Police said he remained in a critical condition.
Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze, but the motorhome was destroyed.
