Police seize motorbike and make ninth arrest of Bad Apples investigation

Police have arrested a ninth man in relation to a social media event that allegedly caused chaos in suburban Mayfield last month.

A 24-year-old Cessnock man was arrested on Wednesday after police executed a search warrant at a home on Wollombi Road.

The man was charged at Cessnock Police Station with five offences, including rioting; violence causing fear; destroying or damaging property greater than $2000 and less than or equal to $5000; driving recklessly/furiously or at a dangerous speed/manner; and driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period.

A motorbike was also seized by police.

A total of 26 unregistered motorbikes have been seized under Operation Horizon, which was set up to investigate the Bad Apples streetwear social media event at Dangar Park in Mayfield on Sunday, June 14.

Police have previously seized helmets, clothing and electronics during searches at Fletcher, Wallsend, Lambton, North Lambton, Toronto and Fullerton Cove.

Police were called to the Ingall Street park at about 1pm on June 14 following reports of a large gathering of people.

On arrival, police found 150 to 200 people gathered in the park, while allegedly a further 30 to 40 people were riding unregistered trail bikes in parkland and on surrounding streets.

Streets were closed nearby, with traffic redirected due to safety concerns.

The eight men previously arrested include two teenagers, aged 18 and 19, and two 21-year-old men.