Police are investigating whether several suspicious fires in the Hunter in the early hours of Tuesday were the work of an arsonist.
Emergency crews were called to a fire on the corner of Market Street and Patrick Street at Singleton about 12.15am on Tuesday.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews extinguished the blaze, but the fire had destroyed several vacant buildings at the site.
Police said in a statement this week that no-one was inside the structures at the time of the fire and no injuries had been reported.
Emergency crews were then notified of several grass fires, including one on the bank of the Hunter River near John Street at Singleton.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews also put out those fires.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District set up crime scenes and began an investigation into the causes of the fires.
Police said in a statement on Friday that the fires were "believed to be linked and are being treated as suspicious".
Anyone with information that could help investigators is being asked to contact a Hunter Valley Police District station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Tips can be left for police anonymously using the Crime Stoppers phone line or online reporting portal.
Man attempts to evade police on pushbike at Waratah
A man has been refused bail by police after he was arrested following an alleged chase through Waratah.
Newcastle City Police District officers and the NSW Police Dog Unit pursued the man, who was wanted on outstanding warrants, at about 6.30am.
Officers searched several yards in the Prince Street area before the man allegedly stole a pushbike and took off to Mayfield, where police arrested him.
Aside from the outstanding warrants, he was also charged with alleged domestic violence-related offences and stealing.
He was refused bail by police and will face Newcastle Local Court.
