Tasmania breaking news: Trio treated after Britten St, New Norfolk house fire
A Derwent Valley trio has been treated for smoke inhalation after Tasmania Fire Service crews were dispatched to a fire within a home. Here’s what we know so far.
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August 6, 11.30am:Three people have been treated as a precaution for smoke inhalation after a house fire in the Derwent Valley on Sunday morning.
A Tasmania Fire Service spokeswoman said that crews from New Norfolk and Magra were dispatched to Britten St, New Norfolk, after receiving reports of a house fire at 9.48am.
When crews arrived, “Smoke was issuing from the building,” and a crew armed with breathing apparatuses entered to fight the internal fire, the spokeswoman said.
Three occupants were treated on-site by Ambulance Tasmania paramedics for smoke inhalation.
Speaking further on the incident after 2pm, a TFS spokesman said a fire investigator had determined the cause of the fire to have been accidental.
He said $50,000 worth of damage had been caused to the dwelling.
No information was available as to what sparked the blaze, nor what room in the dwelling it began.
Dirt bike trio spend night lost in ranges before police rescue
August 6, 8am: A trio of trail bike riders have been rescued from North-West Tasmania’s Dial Ranges after a frantic overnight search.
On Saturday night at about 6pm, Burnie Police were made aware of a group of three trail bikers who had become lost in the Dial Ranges after one of their motorbikes had broken down, police said in a statement.
The men aged 26 and 24, and a child aged 11, were unable to be contacted by phone and local police were unable to locate the missing bikers.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched and the trio was spotted with their vehicle in the vicinity of Mount Gnomon, near a bush track, just after 5am on Sunday.
Police entered the area on foot and the trio was located and returned to their family a short time later. The trio were uninjured.
Acting Sergeant Kendall Buckley reminded members of the public to be prepared andto let family know their intended destination and to carry a personal locator beacon when mobile phone reception is unreliable.
Teen who allegedly stabbed man in CBD charged, to face Youth Justice court
August 5, 9am: A 17-year-old who allegedly stabbed a man in the stomach during a dispute on Friday afternoon in Launceston’s central business district will face court.
Tasmania Police, in a statement, said that the youth has been charged with two offences: wounding, and possessing a dangerous article, being a knife, in a public place.
Police said the charges were as a result of an “ongoing investigation”.
Brisbane St between George and Tamar streets was briefly closed to the public yesterday as emergency services units swarmed in response to the altercation.
The teenager has been detained to appear at an out-of-hours session of the Launceston Magistrates Court’s Youth Justice Division on Saturday.
Police probe deliberately lit fire
August 5, 7.30am: A police investigation is continuing this morning into a fire – believed to be deliberately lit – which caused $400,000 damage to a house on Hobart’s eastern shore overnight.
Sergeant Adrian Mollon said fire crews were called to the unoccupied home in Saladin Circle, Clarendon Vale about 10.30pm on Friday after smoke was noticed coming from beneath the building.
He said that due to fire, smoke, and water damage it is likely that the house will have to be demolished.
The fire appeared to have been started under the kitchen floor, of the house owned by Mission Australia.
“Police urge members of the public to come forward with any information regarding this incident,” Sgt Mollon said.
“We rely heavily on the community for information. That one piece of information could be the one piece that identifies the offenders.”
Specialist investigators will continue with the investigation on Saturday morning.
Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at crimestoppers.com.au
Witnesses restrained teen, helped victim after alleged stabbing
Latest – 4.50pm:
A group of quick-acting community members who rendered aid to a man after he was allegedly stabbed by a teenager on a CBD street have been thanked by police.
As police arrived on the scene of an alleged stabbing on Brisbane St in Launceston, officers found members of the public helping a man who was on the ground with a stomach wound.
Other members of the public were restraining a 17-year-old youth who was later taken into custody by officers.
Speaking to media after the incident, Inspector Craig Fox said while police did not want people to put themselves in harms way, their actions were appreciated.
“We’d like to thank members of the public that did come to the aid of the person who’d bene injured, and also the people who subdued the offender for us,” Inspector Fox said.
“We don’t want anyone to put themselves at risk, but we do acknowledge the fact that they’ve really assisted police in capturing the offender and seeing that the victim got care really quickly.”
The injured man has been taken to Launceston General Hospital and will undergo surgery for his stomach wound.
He remains in a serious but non-life threatening condition.
The 17-year-old will later be interviewed by police, in the presence of a parent.
Inspector Fox said while investigations remain in early stages, he asked those with CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Launceston Police on 131 444.
Earlier – 3.50pm:
A teenager has been taken into custody after an alleged stabbing on a busy Northern Tasmanian street.
Police raced to the scene of the alleged stabbing on Brisbane St at about 2.15pm, where a 17-year-old was placed into custody
“A man received serious, but non life-threatening abdominal injuries after he was allegedly wounded with a knife,” Tasmania Police in a statement said.
“The victim was taken to the Launceston General Hospital by ambulance and is receiving medical treatment.”
Tasmania Police said the incident was “isolated” and the offender had been “quickly taken into custody”.
Anyone with information should contact Launceston Police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
Update #1:
Tasmania police have confirmed one person has received non life-threatening injuries as a result of the altercation on Brisbane St, Launceston.
A witness to the scene said he arrived at about the same time as police.
He told the Mercury that he saw a person lying on the ground, and a man being held against a wall by police officers, who was then bundled into a police vehicle.
Multiple police and emergency services vehicles attended the scene, with one police car blocking entry to Brisbane St.
The incident occurred outside of LuLu Nail Spa.
August 4, 2.33pm: One person is in custody and another has received injuries after an incident in Launceston’s CBD.
Police and emergency services were called to what they say is an isolated incident on Brisbane St, Launceston on Friday afternoon.
The street, between George St and Tamar St is currently closed and people are being asked to avoid the area.
$500K reward for information in suspected murder victim case
August 4, 9am: Police say a $500,000 reward still stands for information leading to a conviction in the case of a suspected murder victim who disappeared a decade ago.
Tasmania Police continue to investigate the disappearance and probable murder of Christopher Watkins, who vanished without a trace from a Box St unit in Mayfield on August 7, 2013. He was 29 years old at the time.
It has been reported by the Mercury that Mr Watkins made a panicked phone call to a family member after two men he had a “troubled history” with paid him a visit at the Box St unit he shared with four other men.
On Friday, the ten year anniversary of Mr Watkins’ disappearance, police have renewed their call for information and still strongly believe the man was murdered.
Detective Acting Inspector Andrew Hanson said while police had solid leads in the case, evidence was needed to secure a conviction.
“We believe $500,000 is a life changing amount, and we are hopeful it may encourage witnesses to come forward,” Insp Hanson said.
“There’s also a strong human element. Ten years is a long time for any family to suffer.
“I would hope the reward sparks that consideration, but I would also hope that the people who have that information would also understand that human element and that influences their decision.
“When a person is missing, the case remains open until we have answers. Our aim is always to try and find those answers, and ultimately provide closure for the missing person’s family and loved ones.”
Insp Hanson said police “strongly believe” there is a coterie of Tasmanians out there who have information necessary to find Mr Watkins’ body and secure a conviction against those responsible for his death.
“The investigation is quite complex. We have interviewed people we would consider persons of interest,” he said.
“We have a pretty good idea of how it happened, we just need those people with information to come forward and help us locate Christopher and secure a conviction.”
Insp Hanson said he understood the “barriers” people may feel are in their way preventing them from providing that information.
“There may be an element of concern from them over some sort of retaliation in the community,” he said.
However, “Tasmania is a very safe place, and this was a specific incident involving parties known to each other,” he said.
Crime Stoppers Tasmania chief executive David Higgins said it was “time for [Christopher’s] family to have closure”.
“If you report anonymously through Crime Stoppers, you can still be eligible for a reward if your information leads to a conviction,” he said.
“I encourage anyone with information about the disappearance of Christopher Watkins to report through Crime Stoppers Tasmania – you do not need to provide your name or personal details.”
Mr Higgins said that Crime Stoppers intelligence was playing an increasing role in Tasmania Police’s more complex investigations.
“We provide that conduit between the community and police. We provide about 25 per cent of Tasmania Police’s intelligence, a lot of it involving lower-level criminality,” he said.
However, with a number of recent high-profile missing persons in the state, “We have received a significant amount of information from the community.”
“If you know something, say something,” he said.
Information can be provided by calling police on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
Mum and bub rescued after car crashes into river
August 3, 2.21pm: Quick-thinking frontline workers have been praised after they saved a mother and a toddler from a sinking car after it crashed into a river.
Police and emergency services rushed to the scene of the single vehicle crash, near the Tailrace Centre at Riverside, shortly after 10.30am on Thursday.
Personnel from Tasmania Police and Ambulance Tasmania acted quickly, retrieving the mum and bub from the sinking car in the River Tamar.
The driver and her child were not physically injured, however they were taken to hospital as a precaution, police say.
Inspector Craig Fox applauded the first responders on scene.
“Understandably this would have been a traumatic experience for the woman and the child,” he said.
“The quick thinking and actions of emergency services prevented a potentially devastating outcome.
“Police remain in contact with the woman, and are providing support to those involved.”
Investigations continue, but police have indicated inattention may have been a contributing factor in the crash.
Police say the vehicle remains in the river, but poses no threat to the general public.
Efforts are being made to recover the vehicle.
Man issued a summons after alleged airport assault
Update – 6.20pm: A 42 year old Herdsmans Cove man is being proceeded against via summons for assault in relation to the alleged incident at Hobart Airport last night.
The man will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court at a later date.
“Police wish to thank members of the public for their assistance in this matter,” Tasmania Police in a statement said.
Initial – August 2, 1.30pm:
A late-night altercation at a Tasmanian airport has sparked a police investigation, with those who may have witnessed the incident urged to contact police.
Multiple calls to police were made by members of the public and Hobart Airport staff at about 10pm on Tuesday in relation to two men having a physical altercation.
The passengers, who are believed not to be known to each other, were disembarking a flight when the incident occurred.
The altercation sparked Hobart Airport security and staff to immediately attend, and multiple police units arrived a short time later.
Tasmania Police say the matter was resolved “safely”.
Those who witnessed the altercation are urged to contact Sorell Police on 131 444 or by email on sorell@police.tas.gov.au.
Information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
‘Seek alternate route’: Bus blocks two lanes of highway
Updated – 3.40pm: The Channel Highway at Taroona is now clear.
Initial – August 2, 3pm:
Tasmania police are on the scene of a bus which is blocking both lanes of the Channel Highway at Taroona.
The bus is blocking the highway near the junction of Churchill Rd.
Motorists are advised to expect delays and seek an alternate route if possible.
More to come.
Drink driver swerves in front of oncoming truck
August 2, 1.45pm:
A Dodges Ferry man who swerved his car in front of a truck has been hit with a drink driving charge after he was found to be driving almost three times the legal limit.
While driving at Runnymede on Wednesday morning, the man veered his white Ford Falcon onto the wrong side of the road in front of an oncoming truck.
The truck driver had to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
“Tasmania Police thank motorists at the scene for their prompt action preventing the driver from continuing to be a further danger to himself and other road users,” Police in a statement said.
The man will appear in Hobart Magistrates Court on September 18.
“Anyone who witnessed the white Ford Falcon station wagon travelling between Orford and Runnymede this morning or has dashcam footage is asked to contact Sorell Police on 131444 and quote OR#43-02082023.”
Suspicious post package ends in meth find
August 2, 11:05am:
A 45-year-old Devonport woman has been charged with drug trafficking after a “suspicious package” at a Tasmanian post office ended in a bumper ice find for police.
After being alerted to a “suspicious package” at an Australia Post mail sorting centre on Friday, July 28, police found 112g of methylamphetamine inside.
Four days later on July 31, a Devonport woman was arrested – with subsequent searches allegedly resulting in more ice seizures, cannabis and alleged evidence of the importation of ice into the state.
The woman has been charged with serious drug offences including trafficking in controlled substance and unlawfully importing a controlled substance.
She will appear in Devonport Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.
The 112g of ice had the potential to be sold to more than 1000 people, or 1170 street deals.
Western District Commander Stuart Wilkinson said Tasmania Police was committed to targeting the supply of illicit drugs.
“These are highly addictive drugs, and cause significant damage when distributed throughout the community,” Commander Wilkinson said.
“We will continue to target criminals involved in the manufacture and distribution of drugs.”
Those with information in relation to illicit drugs are encouraged to contact police on 131 444 or on Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 330 000.
Truck rollover to block traffic for ‘several hours’
August 1, 12.10pm: Traffic has slowed after a truck flipped on a major thoroughfare, with police warning delays will continue for “several hours”.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the truck rollover on the western side of the Kings Meadows Link, off the Midland Hwy at Youngtown shortly after midday on Tuesday.
The truck belonging to Tasman Logistics Services rolled as it exited the Midland Highway travelling towards Kings Meadows/ Youngtown.
It appeared to be carrying cardboard bales for recycling, with several of the bales spilling from a split in the truck’s roof.
The truck’s windscreen burst upon collision with the shoulder.
The truck driver emerged miraculously unscathed from the accident, aside from a minor hand injury and neck pain.
A crane to lift the vehicle is currently being transported up from Hobart.
Kings Meadows Link will be closed for several hours later this afternoon while the truck is being lifted upright and removed. It’s understood this is likely to occur from about 3pm onwards.
Tasmania Police Sgt Nathan Slater said that the truck driver was assisted by passers-by, as he had been held into the cab by his seatbelt.
Sgt Slater said speed appeared to be a factor in the crash.
The truck driver was transported to Launceston General Hospital as a precautionary measure for neck pain. He returned negative readings for both drugs and alcohol.
Police have advised motorists to seek an alternative route while the crash site is cleared, and to slow down while exiting the highway.
Delays are expected for several hours, police say.
‘Ill-prepared’ tourists guided to safety from Mt Roland
July 30, 11am: Police are reminding bushwalkers to be prepared after five tourists were rescued on the journey down from the Mount Roland summit on Sunday night.
About 7.15pm Sunday, emergency services received a request for help from the group, who had veered off the designated track, after becoming disoriented.
Tasmania Police Western Search and Rescue officer Steve Jones said the group were ill-
prepared for the journey.
“A land-based search and rescue team located the party a short time after receiving the call for assistance and guided the group back to safety,” Inspector Jones said.
“Thankfully, no-one was injured, but some members of the group were fatigued and
dehydrated.”
The incident has sparked a reminder for bushwalkers to be prepared before they set off on Tasmanian tracks.
Inspector Jones said walkers should carry a fully charged mobile phone and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
“Relying solely on mobile phones for communication and navigation is strongly discouraged,” he said.
“While the day may start warm and fine, weather patterns can shift quickly, leading to reduced visibility and challenging conditions.”
Burnie cat recovering after being shot with arrow
July 31, 1pm
Police say a pet cat in Burnie is recovering after it was shot with an arrow earlier this month, as it launches an investigation into what happened.
Noah the cat was found with “significant injuries” after being shot with an arrow at Downlands on July 2.
Noah is now recovering after undergoing emergency surgery, following the incident.
Police are now investigating the matter and are urging anyone who might have information to contact Burnie Police on 131 444.
Instant disqualification: Speedsters nabbed on Midland Highway
July 30: Two drivers are likely to lose their licences after police clocked them travelling to together on the Midland Highway travelling more than 40km/hr over the speed limit.
Police said a red Holden Commodore and dark blue Mazda 6 were detected travelling at 152km/hr in a 110km/hr zone near Powranna, just south of Symmons Plains Raceway on Saturday afternoon.
The pair were intercepted by the northern highway patrol at Epping Forest a few kilometres further south about 2.30pm.
Both drivers face instant licence disqualification, and one will also be charged with being an unaccompanied learner driver and will face an extra fine and disqualification, police said.
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