A MAN will appear in court next month charged after allegedly assaulting police and escaping police custody.

Just after 9am yesterday on Thursday 5 August 2021, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended a home on Richardson Road, Raymond Terrace, to execute a Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO).

During a search of the home, police seized firearms and prohibited drugs, which will undergo further examination.

A 45-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, before he was transferred to John Hunter Hospital for observation.

About 12.45am on Friday 6 August 2021, the man was discharged from hospital and returned to police custody, where police will allege the man punched a female constable in the face and ran into nearby bushland.

A perimeter was established and despite an extensive search, the man was not located.

Following inquiries, the man was located by police attempting to hitchhike on Industrial Highway, Mayfield, about 4.30am today.

The man ran from police and was arrested a short time later, with assistance from the Dog Unit, before being taken to Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle for treatment of a dog bite.

Upon release, he was then charged with three counts of possess unregistered firearm-not pistol/prohibited firearm, two counts of possess prohibited drug, resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, escape police custody, destroy or damage property, enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, resist officer in execution of duty and not keep firearm safely.

He was refused bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 13 September 2021.