Shoppers arriving at a popular Newcastle shopping centre on Sunday morning were met with a major police presence after a violent overnight stabbing left a young man with serious injuries.
Police Swarm Shopping Centre Carpark
Just before 3:30am on Sunday, January 11, 2026, emergency services were called to the Marketown West shopping centre carpark following reports of a violent assault. Police swarmed the area located on the Coles side of the complex, where they discovered a man believed to be in his late teens or early 20s suffering from stab wounds to his head and neck.
New South Wales Ambulance paramedics provided urgent treatment to the victim at the scene before transporting him to John Hunter Hospital. A spokesperson confirmed the young man was in a stable condition upon arrival at the hospital.
Crime Scene Remains Active for Hours
A significant portion of the carpark remained cordoned off with police tape for several hours as forensic officers combed the area for evidence. The Newcastle Herald understands the police presence was still substantial around 8:30am, with the section near Coles completely closed off to the public.
Despite the disturbing incident and ongoing police activity, it is understood that retailers on the Coles side of Marketown continued to trade, with shoppers navigating around the sealed-off area.
Key Details Still Unclear as Investigation Continues
Police are yet to release specific details about the circumstances leading to the altercation. It remains unclear what sparked the violent incident, whether the victim and his assailant were known to each other, or if any arrests have been made. Investigators are appealing to the public for information as they piece together the events of the early morning.
Newcastle Herald journalist Madeline Link contacted both NSW Police and Marketown Centre Management for further comment, but official statements are pending as the investigation is in its early stages.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with dashcam or mobile phone footage from the Marketown West carpark area between 3:00am and 4:00am on Sunday are asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. All information can be provided anonymously.
