A violent altercation allegedly sparked by a dispute on Snapchat has left a man with a 10-centimetre wound to his neck, with two men now facing charges over the incident in Newcastle.
Incident Details
Emergency services were called to a home on Hunter Street in Newcastle just before 1am on Saturday, following reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, police found a 37-year-old man with a severe laceration to his neck. He was treated at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
According to police, the victim had been involved in an argument with another man via the social media platform Snapchat earlier that evening. The dispute is believed to have escalated when the two men agreed to meet in person, leading to the alleged knife attack.
Arrests and Charges
Following investigations, officers arrested two men in connection with the incident. A 28-year-old man was taken into custody at a home in Mayfield, while a 32-year-old man was arrested in Newcastle. Both were charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The 28-year-old also faced an additional charge of affray. They were refused bail and appeared before Newcastle Local Court on Saturday. The matter is set to return to court later this month.
Police Appeal
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident or who may have witnessed the altercation to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen the two men prior to the attack or who has footage of the incident.
Detective Inspector John Adams said the attack highlights the dangers of social media arguments spilling over into real-world violence. “It’s a stark reminder that what starts as a online disagreement can quickly turn dangerous,” he said.
Community Reaction
The incident has shocked residents in the Newcastle area, with many expressing concern over the level of violence. Local community leader Sarah Thompson said the attack was “deeply concerning” and called for more efforts to address conflict resolution among young people.
“We need to teach our kids that arguments on social media don’t have to end in violence,” she said. “This is a wake-up call for parents and schools alike.”
The victim remains in hospital in a stable condition, and police continue their investigations.
