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Three men have been charged following a pursuit with police in the Newcastle area overnight.

Around 2.25am (Saturday 14 December 2019), officers attached to Newcastle City Police District observed a black Mazda sedan – suspected stolen – parked at a serviced station on Glebe Road in Merewether.

Officers approached two men, both aged 23, inside the service station, at which time a third 23-year-old – who was sitting inside the Mazda – drove from the scene.

Upon searching the two men, officers allegedly located over $9,000 in cash and ammunition on one of them. Both men were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

Other police pursued the Mazda through the suburbs of Birmingham Gardens, Waratah, Jesmond, Heatherbrae, Raymond Terrace and Williamtown. Road spikes were deployed on Tourle Street, Mayfield West causing the tyres to deflate. The car continued until it crashed into a set of traffic lights at the intersection of Tourle Street and Industrial Drive.

The 23-year-old driver left the vehicle and was pursued on foot before being arrested in a backyard of a home on Groongale Street in Mayfield West.

Officers located and seized two bags dropped near the scene. Upon searching the bags, police allegedly found a number of pills, mobile phones, gloves and a knife.

The driver was taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing before being taken to Newcastle Police Station.

Upon searching the stolen Mazda, officers allegedly located a .22 rifle under the seat. The firearm was seized and will be forensically examined.

The 23-year-old driver was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period and drive conveyance taken without consent of owner.

The second 23-year-old was charged with possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority and be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.

The third 23-year-old was charged with drive conveyance taken without consent of owner and custody of knife in public place.

All three were refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 15 December 2019).

Inquiries continue.