CRIME SCENE: Police lead a man away for questioning following a stabbing in Rocket Street early yesterday. Photo: ANDREW MICALLEF, WIDE AREA COMMUNICATIONS
A BATHURST man has been charged with murder and refused bail after a man was stabbed to death in Rocket Street early yesterday.
Police and ambulance officers responded to a triple-0 call at 8.26am yesterday following a report of a disturbance at a block of flats opposite Centennial Park in Rocket Street.
Initial reports to NSW Ambulance said the victim was suffering life-threatening injuries following an assault.
When paramedics arrived they found a 49-year-old man with a stab wound to the chest.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the man died at the scene.
Chifley Local Area Command duty officer Inspector Mark Wall confirmed late yesterday that a 40-year-old Bathurst man, who was arrested at the scene just after 9am, was charged with murder, and refused bail.
He will appear before Bathurst Local Court today.
The man was arrested by police shortly after the stabbing and spent all day being interviewed by Bathurst detectives.
Inspector Wall said yesterday the man charged with murder was “known to the victim” but was unable to comment any further on their relationship.
Following the man’s arrest, forensic officers, detectives and specialist police cordoned off the area and established a crime scene.
The entire complex was locked down until late last night.
While police were initially unable to comment on how the victim died, Superintendent Michael Robinson confirmed, during a media conference held at midday yesterday, that the victim suffered a stab wound.
Superintendant Robinson would also not be drawn on how the victim and accused knew each other - only that they did know each other.
Superintendant Robinson said the unit complex remained in lockdown while being examined by forensic and specialist police, and said a number of witnesses were also in the process of being interviewed by detectives.
He urged anyone who may have heard or seen anything relating to the stabbing to contact detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 as a matter of urgency.
