Where was the increase in violent crime centred? Blacktown has endured a 10% increase in violent crime per year over the past two years, outer south-western Sydney 5.6%, and the south-west 4.5%.

From Monday, all adult bail applications now require approval from a magistrate. Critics say this could slow and impact the justice system, which the NSW Premier has dismissed.

NSW police have said that “a scuffle ensued” and that protesters were not complying with the directions to move on. Former ...