Victim 'unrecognisable' after assault

A Perth man has described the moment he was beaten to a bloody pulp by two men at a bar in the city at the weekend while at his son?s bucks night.

Allan, who is recuperating at his suburban home after he was attacked at Tiger Lils Restaurant and Bar in Murray Street last weekend. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

Police believe this man can help with inquries into an assault at Tiger Lil's in the city. Picture: Supplied. Source: PerthNow

A PERTH man has described the moment he was beaten to a bloody pulp by two men at a bar in the city at the weekend while at his son's bucks night.

The 47-year-old victim, who only wants to be known as Allan, was bashed by the two men between 11pm on Saturday and 1am on Sunday at Tiger Lil's on Murray Street.

Just hours after the savage assault, he had a seizure in hospital and needed stitches to various parts of his face.

Because of the seizure, he's been told he can't drive a car for at least six months.

Allan was out having a few quiet drinks for his son's bucks night when he was savagely beaten by the pair.

Allan said one of the men spoke with him briefly as he was sat down on his own at the rear of the venue.

He tried to get up, but was pushed back down and punched by one of the men.

The first attacker was then assisted by a second younger man.

"This guy just stood over me and said "move along" or something like that, I questioned him and the result was I ended up getting the crap punched out of me," Allan said.

"I don't think I said anything wrong, even if I did does it justify what happened?

"The first punch took me out of action…I don't know how long it went on for.

"The next thing I can recollect…I woke up on the floor.

"My right hand was covered in blood and there was blood running down over my right eye.

"I was not even looking at him when the first blow came.

"I've got stitches on my right eyebrow, above my upper lip, on the inside of my upper lip…the right side of my head is pounding.

"It was just brutal…it's just very cowardly."

Allan was taken to Royal Perth Hospital by taxi where he was treated for various facial injuries.

His wife Alice said when she got to the hospital to see her husband, Allan was almost unrecognisable.

"He was a mess and he was distraught," she said.

"I was on my own with him in the room when he had the seizure.

"He was just sitting there minding his own business (in the bar.)

"It's just been really very traumatic for all of us."

Alice said she feared if the two men responsible were not caught soon they could do the same to someone else.

"They've gone and done it to somebody who was not doing anything wrong so I am frightened if something is not done about these people the next person could be dead," she said.

Detective Senior Constable Sam Hazlitt of Perth City Detectives said two men who attacked Allan inside the bar were last seen leaving the venue walking along Murray Street.

"We see these sorts of incidents far too often on Perth's streets," he said.

The first man who attacked Allan is Caucasian, aged around 30, 188cm tall, with a medium to heavy build.

He was wearing a black shirt, had a mullet style haircut, tattoos on his right arm and a gold chain around his neck.

The second man is younger aged in his 20s and had a shaved head with a mullet at the back.

Police want to speak to the man pictured who they believe can assist with their inquiries.

Anyone with any information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Why we'll never forget September 11

The North Tower was hit first and hit highest, leaving people above the impact zone no chance of escape Source: Supplied

IT WAS unquestionably the most terrible day of our age. September 11, 2001.

Almost 3000 innocent people died when terrorists hijacked four civilian planes. Two of the planes struck the twin towers of New York's World Trade Center. One nosedived into the Pentagon in Washington. And one crashed into a field in Pennsylvania thanks to the brave efforts of passengers who stormed the cockpit.

As Americans begin their day of mourning, we've compiled 30 images to remind you why this day was so momentous.

Moment of impact: the south tower is hit Source: Supplied

As smoke billows from the north tower, the second hijacked plane bears down on the south tower Source: Supplied

There are many shots from different angles of the planes striking the towers, but one reason there are not thousands of different images is that iPhones had not yet been invented and many phones had no cameras. Source: Supplied

The millisecond before the plane strikes the south tower Source: Supplied

Here's one for the conspiracy nutters who claim the building was bombed and that there were never any planes. Clue: bombs don't make plane-shaped holes. Source: Supplied

One of the most horrific and enduring 9/11 images was the people trapped in the upper levels of the twin towers. Many jumped. Some held hands while they did so. At least two hundred people are believed to have taken the fateful plunge. Source: Supplied

Another view of the south tower being struck Source: Supplied

As office workers descend, heroes ascend. Firefighters carrying huge loads had to walk a few floors at a time, rest for a few seconds, then walk a few more floors. Pic taken by John Labriola, who had an office on 71st floor. Source: Supplied

The south tower of the World Trade Center was the second hit but first to fall. Source: Supplied

This picture taken by Associated Press photographer Richard drew was deemed too controversial by most newspaper editors. "The Falling Man" became the subject of a documentary, but the identity of the man plummeting to his death is still disputed. Some families refuse to believe it could be their relative for religious reasons, even though no 9/11 victim has been classified as dying by suicide. Source: Supplied

Strangers became friends as they fled the horror together. Many remain close to this day, including countless office workers who helped each other out of the twin towers. Source: Supplied

This was a day of mourning for all Americans, whether they knew a victim or not. Source: Supplied

There were also 125 victims at the Pentagon in Washington — 70 civilian and 55 military personnel. Source: Supplied

There is something about this man's dust-covered suit and general demeanour which makes this an unforgettable image Source: Supplied

The force of the world's highest towers collapsing reduced buildings to ash which coated survivors in a ghoulish cloak. Source: Supplied

Many men hugged on a day when over 400 emergency workers were killed. Source: Supplied

Not much left: this would not be one of those searches where victims emerged for days to come Source: Supplied

Fire soon spread to many nearby buildings Source: Supplied

And sometimes the heroes needed a little attention themselves. Source: Supplied

People had no idea if the dust cloud would kill them, hence the terror. Source: Supplied

No, this is not a still from the latest blockbuster disaster movie. It's yet another 9/11 hero carrying yet another survivor to safety. Source: Supplied

While for some, words just couldn't describe the horror. Source: Supplied

The North tower was hit first and collapsed second, possibly because it was hit higher Source: Supplied

The search continued in vain. Source: Supplied

This guy wasn't alone in seeking comfort in a familiar symbol after the attacks. Source: Supplied

Looks like a New Yorker, tough like a New Yorker, devastated like every New Yorker was on 9/11. Source: Supplied

Manhattan was bathed in an eerie smoke for days afterwards Source: Supplied

With bridges and tunnels closed to all but emergency vehicles, New Yorkers had no choice but to walk home. The green sign on the left says: Welcome to Manhattan Source: Supplied

Engineers say that the World Trade Centers had an unusual design, where much of the structural load was carried by the exterior shell of the building rather than central columns. So when that shell was pierced, the buildings were weakened significantly, precipitating their collapse. Source: Supplied

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Destructive winds smash Mandurah

A Mandurah pest control business was virtually torn apart by the wild winds which struck about 2am. Picture: Twitter/Channel 9 Source: PerthNow

A Secret Harbour family inspects the damage with a fibro fence laying in ruins. Picture: Twitter/Channel 9 Source: PerthNow

A gazebo was destroyed at Anstey Park, Secret Harbour, just north of Mandurah overnight. Picture: Emma Reid

A MANDURAH pest control business has been virtually destroyed and at least 20 homes damaged as destructive winds tore through the region overnight.

The Mandurah Pest Control business suffered extensive damage to its brick premises.

Violent winds and a weak tornado have brought down trees and damaged about 20 houses in Secret Harbour, just north of Mandurah overnight.

A 100km/h wind gust was recorded at Mandurah at 1.53am today and Cape Leeuwin has been buffeted by strong winds in excess of 75km/h since about 5am, with a maximum gust of 106km/h at midday, after an earlier peak of 96km/h just after 7am.

Isolated thunderstorms are forecast to continue in Perth's southern suburbs tonight, with westerly winds between 25km/h and 40km/h expected.

A severe weather warning remains in place tonight for people south-west of a line from Mandurah to Albany, with warnings of gusts up to 100km/h.

A marine wind warning and a sheep graziers warning also remain in place for WA's south-west.

Mandurah Pest Control owner Troy Cherry arrived at work this morning to find the top storey of his business completely levelled.

The father-of-two said the entire front of the building would need to be rebuilt.

"It's just hit the front of our building and damaged the front of our building only and nothing else around has been damaged," he said.

"Five foot (1.5m) of bricks all the way around the roof have fallen on top of the roof and completely flattened everything in the office."

Mr Cherry said 50 years of customer records had been lost as well as personal belongings, including his children's motorbikes.

"There is nothing we can do about it. We can't get in there. It's just too unsafe," he said.

Mr Cherry said it was "devastating". "I think I'm in shock still," he said.

"At the moment all that matters is everybody is safe. No-one was in the building.

"If it happened two hours later there would have been all four of us standing there discussing the day's work."

A fallen tree smashed onto a gazebo in Anstey Park, Secret Harbour.

"As you can see it has been completely smashed by a fallen tree," said PerthNow reader Emma Reid.

Storm damage at Secret Harbour. Picture: Trish Crellin Source: PerthNow

The SES received 30 calls for assistance, with Secret Harbour, just north of Mandurah, the worst affected suburb.

"There was also one request for assistance in Waroona and another in Nannup," the statement said.

"Both were for roof damage."

Mrs Reid, who lives in Secret Harbour, said the damage was the result of "ferocious" winds, the worst of which hit around 2am. She and her husband were woken up by a "roar of wind" at around 2am.

"It was just wild out there," she said. We thought the roof was going to come off. We didn't get much sleep."

Storm damage at Secret Harbour. Picture: Trish Crellin Source: PerthNow

The strong cold front has dumped heavy rain on the city and is threatening destructive winds in excess of 125km/h in the south of the state from Mandurah to Albany.

Widespread, heavy showers brought decent falls across the metropolitan.

By 2pm Bickley had recorded 37mm, Perth 25mm, Jandakot 26mm and Champion Lakes 20mm. Dwellingup, 97km south of the city, has had 37mm.

Swanbourne has also had 20mm and Perth Airport 22mm.

Perth has now had more than 40mm for September, and is on track to reach the monthly average of just over 80mm.

And the city is facing another wintry day, with showers and storms forecast with a maximum temperature of 19C. The Bureau is tipping 100 per cent likelihood of more rain, with 10mm-25mm possible.

Showers are tipped on and off for the next week.

Today's Forecast: Cloudy. Showers and scattered thunderstorms. Winds northwesterly 25km/h to 35km/h turning westerly 30 to 45km/h during the morning.

In the South West, Mount William had the state's highest fall to 9am, 32mm, Witchcliffe had 27mm and Collie 24mm.

Some rain has also penetrated into the Great Southern with many centres recording 5mm or more and some around 10mm. Wandering and Williams had 11mm to 9am.

Severe Weather Warning

A Severe Weather Warning remains in place for destructive winds, now estimated to be up to 100km/h for people in the Lower West, South West and South Coastal forecast districts.

The wild weather is expected to affect areas southwest of a line from Mandurah to Albany, including: Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Bridgetown and Albany.

"A strong cold front is moving across southwestern parts of the state, with a low pressure system passing south of the state to lie south of Albany by Wednesday evening,'' the Bureau advised.

"In isolated areas showers and thunderstorms may produce dangerous gusts in excess of 100km/h which could cause significant damage or destruction to homes and property.

"The greatest risk of dangerous gusts is most likely from mid to late Wednesday morning as the low moves to lie south of Albany by Wednesday evening. Strong and squally winds are expected to continue through to Wednesday evening.''

"This is typical weather for this time of year but winds may cause damage to property and make road conditions hazardous.''

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

    If outside find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.
    Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
    Unplug electrical appliances and do not use land line telephones if there is lightning.
    If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
    Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.

If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.

Forecast: The week ahead

Thursday 12 September
Min 12, Max 20.
Cloudy. Isolated showers. Winds westerly 25 to 35 km/h decreasing to 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon then becoming northwesterly and light in the late evening.

Friday 13 September
Min 13, Max 20. Showers and chance of a storm.

Saturday 14 September
Min 10, Max 19. Morning storms. Showers.

Sunday 15 September
Min 10, Max 21. Possible shower.

Monday 16 September
Min 12, Max 23. Shower or two. Becoming windy.

Tuesday 17 September
Min 13, Max 19. Morning shower or two.

Wednesday 18 September
Min 12, Max 21. Shower or two.

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No WACA Test in 2014-15 cricket season

The Western Australian Cricket Association has warned of devastating effects after Perth missed out on a Test match during the 2014/15 season.

Australia against the West Indies at a packed WACA ground in Perth earlier this year. Perth has been dropped as a Test Match venue for the 2014/15 season. Source: PerthNow

PERTH has been dropped as a Test match venue after Cricket Australia announced its schedule for the 2014-15 season.

India, who will tour during the 2014-15 summer, will play four Tests in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane.

It will be the first time since 1976-77 season that the WACA Ground has not hosted a Test during an Australian summer.

The decision has angered WA cricket officials and WACA chief executive Christina Matthews said the WACA was 'extremely disappointed' with the decision.

"The fans in WA have consistently supported Test cricket at the WACA and we are devastated that thousands of loyal cricket fans will not be able to see the Test match live against India," she said.

Perth will host additional one-day internationals during the summer but Ms Matthews said there was no compensation for losing a Test.

"The ongoing effect this loss will have on the WACA and cricket in Western Australia will be devastating and we are extremely disappointed by the decision, not only for the Association, but for our Members and WA cricket supporters," she said.

"We will continue talks with CA and will be seeking an understanding from them of all the elements behind the decision."

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said the WACA's capacity and facilities were factors in the decision to axe Perth from the Test schedule.

"Though a traditional Test match venue with a proud history, the WACA ground has the smallest capacity of the five mainland Test venues and has historically attracted lower attendances," he said.

"The WACA has been working hard to improve the facilities for its fans but it still requires significant improvements."

Ms Matthews said the WACA had outlined several reasons why Perth should remain a Test venue.

"Domestic TV ratings from the Perth match of the last series between these two nations was the equal highest in Australia at 1.12 million," she said.

"The 2008 and 2012 Tests between Australia and India at the WACA were also extremely well attended, with the first three days of the 2012 Test sold out, so the WA cricket fans are the big losers here."

Mr Sutherland said it was a one-off situation that he does not see happening again.

"All have strong claims for hosting a Test and many factors were taken into consideration, including the allocation of 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup matches, but on this occasion the Adelaide Oval and the Gabba were considered to have the strongest claims," he said.

"The Adelaide Oval is scheduled to complete a $535 million dollar re-development this season that will see the venue deliver world-class facilities for fans, players, broadcasters and media.

"The Oval has also built up a strong history of attendance over many seasons and the new facilities will only add to that fan experience.

"The Gabba is a large high quality venue in Australia's third largest city and serves a large population of Australian cricket fans, including the large urban areas of the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, plus many who travel long distances to make the annual trip to Brisbane for the Test match.

"Another factor in the Gabba's favour was the limitations on their ability to effectively host other international cricket matches in the 2014-15 summer due to the G20 summit and the 2015 Asian Cup being scheduled respectively in November 2014 and January 2015."

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Man crushed in scissor lift accident

File picture: BGC Cement plant in Naval Base, where a man has been crushed to death in a scissor lift.. Picture: Alf Sorbello. Source: PerthNow

A MAN has been killed after he was crushed by a scissor lift at the BGC cement plant in Naval Base this afternoon.

The 44-year-old man was working at the company's cement site on Beard and Morley Streets.

Police were notified about 12.30pm today of the incident. Emergency services are on site, as are WorkSafe inspectors.

WorkSafe was called in to investigate another death at the BGC plant last year, after a man was buried alive when a sand pile collapsed on him in a silo.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said any work-related death was a tragedy, and relayed his sincere condolences to the family.

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Rebels biker serious after hitting roo

A Rebels bikie has been seriously injured after hitting a kangaroo 30km east of  Madura on the national run to WA.

A REBELS biker is in a serious condition after hitting a kangaroo and coming off his motorbike on the national ride to Perth.

The 53-year-old man was riding with a small group of bikers about 6.30pm, just on dusk, yesterday when he struck a kangaroo about 30km east of Madura on remote Eyre Highway, about 1250km east of Perth.

The Kalgoorlie Royal Flying Doctor Service was called to treat the injured biker in one of the most isolated parts of WA.

He was riding with a small contingent of motorcyclists ahead of the main Rebels group who were still on the SA side of the WA-SA border. 

"He was moved by car to Madura Pass Oasis Roadhouse where staff provided first aid using their RFDS Medical Chest under the guidance of RFDS medical staff and a RFDS doctor,'' a RFDS spokesman said.

"The RFDS landed at the nearby dirt strip at 9.35pm and spent an hour at the scene stabilising him pre-flight. He was then taken to Kalgoorlie Hospital in a serious but stable condition.''

Police warning, but WA roadhouses welcome Rebels

The man is part of the Rebels, Australia's biggest bikie gang, which is crossing the WA border this morning as part of their "national run" to Perth.

Police may be warning the public, but roadhouses across Western Australia are laying out welcome mats as 1000 Rebels bikies begin the final leg of their national run into Perth.

Rebels bikies banned from licensed venues

Today the massed ranks of the Rebels were at the Border Crossing roadhouse on the South Australian/West Australian border, preparing to leave for the ride across WA for the rest of the week.

WA Police warned motorists about the mass of motorcycles, which are being followed by around 200 police, as they travel through Eucla, Norseman and Kalgoorlie before hitting Great Eastern Highway into Perth.

Police said they are anticipating the group to arrive in the city on Friday.

But before that, roadhouses along the route are hoping for an economic boost from the demand for fuel, cigarettes and food from the bikies, and their police escort.

``We have lots of hot food, lots of cigarettes and lots of staff all ready to go,'' said Ross, who works at the Caltex petrol station in Norseman.

``The word we are getting is that there will be 1000 Rebels and 200 police. We have got about 20,000 litres of fuel waiting for them, and we will treat them like we treat anyone else.''

The bikies are tipped to stay at the Norseman racecourse tonight before heading off again on Wednesday.

As WA police launch the state's biggest security operation since the arrival of the Queen in 2011, they have already warned the bikies they will not be permitted to enter any pubs or clubs during their time in the state.

Sergeant Gerry Cassidy said the motorbikes could be so loud they had the potential to affect road users' concentration.

``Consider using designated rest areas or comfort stops along the road until the group has passed,'' Sgt Cassidy said.

"Short term delays as the group travel along the planned route may also occur," police said.

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High hopes for Scarborough tourism

Tourism WA hopes Scarborough will reach its full potential as a WA tourism precinct. Source: PerthNow

TOURISM WA can't wait for the day when Scarborough is a thriving hub of bars, cafes, restaurants, accommodation and events.

Chief executive Stephanie Buckland, who will be on a redevelopment committee set up for the area said a just-announced cash injection to kick-start the revitalisation was fantastic news for the tourism industry.

''Scarborough is an important beachside tourism precinct,'' she said.

''It is regarded as one of Perth's iconic beaches, an attractive venue for hosting events such as the 2014 Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships and it has the highest concentration of accommodation in the metropolitan area outside of the CBD.

''Tourism WA would like to see Scarborough Beach reach its full potential as one of the state's most successful tourism precincts, with a range of mixed-use, short-stay accommodation, attractions, bars, cafes and restaurants, amenities and events.''

State Government redevelopment plans for Scarborough are just the ''icing on the cake'' for investors, a local expert says.

Momentum Wealth managing director Damian Collins has ''put his money where his mouth is'' on that score, with the purchase of development sites.

The 2012 Kellogs Nutri-Grain Iron Man Series at Scarborough Beach. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

The Government announced last Tuesday that 100ha of Scarborough gets a major revamp in the next four years.

A hundred hectares of coastal land would be redeveloped, with $30 million of the cost coming from the Government and $27 million from the City of Stirling.

''Scarborough has got good potential,'' Mr Collins said.

''It's like Bondi was. It's close to the city, but it's considered the poor cousin of its neighbouring suburbs. But it has one of the best beaches in Australia.''

Mr Collins said the area needed a facelift and property values would not rise overnight with the redevelopment plans.

''Any State Government money going into improving amenity will attract more people – look at the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority development in Subiaco,'' he said.

''I wouldn't be investing based on this proposal alone – it was a bit vague.

''It's just another potential upside to investing in the suburb. It wouldn't swing our investment decision.''

The Scarborough properties Mr Collins recommends for investors are blocks with older houses for development potential, or units and villas in small, well-run strata complexes, as wear and tear tends to be greater by the coast.

He said investors should look at properties within walking distance of the beach.

The median house price in Scarborough is $745,000 and the median unit price is $440,000, according to RP Data.

The area's redevelopment, announced by Premier Colin Barnett last week, will stretch 1.5km along the coast and 800m up Scarborough Beach Rd and will increase density.

The MRA will ''consider building heights in its review'' of plans for the area.

The public will be able to comment on what they would like to see for the area at a new Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority office at Scarborough Beach.

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Less is more for complete beauty queen

"I'm proud to represent those who look differently, but it's about what you can do ... I'm just like you." Picture: Donald Kravitz/Getty Images Source: Supplied

BORN without her left forearm, Nicole Kelly has been overcoming disability her entire life. Now representing Iowa in the Miss America pageant, she hopes to win the crown and inspire others to overcome their own difficulties.

She chooses to focus on what she has, rather than what she lacks.

"The reason I'm here is not because I'm a public interest story," she told The Associated Press, in between rehearsals for three nights of preliminary competition. "I'm here not because I look different, but because I have the intelligence, I have the ability and all the things that Miss America needs to have.

Picture: Twitter Source: Supplied

"I'm proud to represent those who look differently, but it's about what you can do and how you celebrate it," she said. "I'm just like you."

She said she developed an outgoing personality "that would not give in to 'no"' as a way to deal with the stares she often got.

She says on her official Miss Iowa web page that: "when people ask me what happened to my arm, I like to ask, 'Well, what do you think happened?'"

"My favourite explanation to date has been that it was bitten off by a shark."

Picture: Facebook Source: Supplied

The 23-year-old resident of Keokuk, Iowa, a Mississippi River town, Kelly said she never let her disability stop her from doing what she wanted. She played baseball, swam and dived, danced.

"I just did it," she said. "There never was an issue. No excuses, nor should there have been."

Kelly said people she met while growing up generally went through three phases. The first was when she approached them, because they were too intimidated to approach her. The second was when they grew comfortable enough to ask her questions like, "How do you do your hair?" or "How do you tie your shoes?"

The third phase "was when they completely forgot about it" and just saw her as Nikki, not a person with a disability.

She entered her first pageant this January, fell in love with the competition and won, advancing through the ranks to win the Miss Iowa crown. She was soon inundated with media attention, not all of it welcome.

Picture: Facebook Source: Supplied

She said one TV station surreptitiously shot close-ups of her partial arm without her realising it and made that a central part of their report.

"I got a lot of unwanted attention, but there's also the flip side of this enormous platform", to bring attention to people with disabilities.

Since graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kelly has landed internships in theatres in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Chicago and New York. That led to a paid job as the guardian for child actors in the Broadway play "The Assembled Parties."

A social media post to thank her room mate for her support. Picture: Facebook Source: Supplied

Kelly is scheduled to sing during the talent portion of the competition. She hopes to work in theatre management - after winning the Miss America pageant.

"It would definitely be cool to win the crown, but I want the job. I want to be in a new city every second day, I want to log 20,000 miles on aeroplanes and meet new people all the time."

She would not be the first Miss America with a disability. In 1995, Miss Alabama, Heather Whitestone won the crown with a hearing impairment.

The 2014 Miss America will be crowned Sunday night in Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, as the pageant returns home after a six-year stint in Las Vegas.

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Police accused of 'bogus' arrest of Perth man

A Perth man acquitted last week on death penalty charges in Malaysia has been re-arrested at the airport.

Dominic Bird after he was acquitted of drug trafficking last week. AFP PHOTO / NEW STRAITS TIMES / EFFENDY RASHID Source: AFP

AUTHORITIES in Malaysia have been accused of conspiring to secure a ''bogus''' arrest warrant for Perth man Dominic Bird to prevent him returning to Australia following his acquittal on drug charges that carry the death penalty.

Mr Bird last week walked free after being found not guilty of charges of supplying a large quantity of methamphetamine to an undercover police officer, but was unable to immediately return home due to issues surrounding his visa.

He now faces the prospect of a death sentence once again hanging over his head after prosecutors on Monday lodged an appeal against last Wednesday's verdict.

The 33-year-old was re-arrested on Monday just 10 minutes before he was to board a flight to Australia, after a warrant for his arrest was issued when he failed to appear at a hearing at the Malaysian Court of Appeal scheduled for 9am local time on Monday.

But it has been revealed Mr Bird was unable to attend the hearing because he was in the custody of Malaysian immigration officials, who had taken him to the LCCT airport on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur from where he was to fly home to Perth.

His legal team were also not advised of the hearing, and were therefore unable to challenge the request for his arrest or ensure their client was present.

Mr Bird, who last week said he was ``ecstatic that I'm out of the handcuffs'', on Tuesday said he began to suspect something was afoot when authorities delayed issuing a new visa until Monday morning.

The delay effectively gave prosecutors time to lodge their appeal.

His lawyer Muhammed Shafee Abdullah today described the events of the past few days as ``farcical''.

``Although it was the immigration that arrested him, we know for a fact it wasn't the immigration that wanted to do that. The immigration was instructed by the prosecution, and maybe even with the police knowing it,'' Mr Abdullah told reporters outside the Malaysian Court of Appeal.

``That arrest was unlawful. We have seen the warrant. We were shocked.''

``It would be appear that the arrest (on Wednesday last week) was bogus purely to ensure that he was still available for the arrest on Monday.''

Still, Mr Abdullah said his client was holding up well.

``I am quite surprised that he is putting up pretty well. But I am sure that deep inside he is frustrated because he was just 10 minutes from freedom,'' he said.

Mr Bird was remanded in custody pending a bail hearing which has been scheduled for Thursday.

His lawyers will argue that he be released without condition pending the outcome of the appeal, and be allowed to return to Australia while the legal process runs its course.

Authorities would be reluctant to allow Mr Bird to return home while the appeal is pending because of the Australian government's policy of not granting extradition in cases which carry the death penalty.

The appeal process could take up to six months.

Mr Bird was initially arrested at a cafe near his apartment in Kuala Lumpur on March 1 last year after allegedly being caught supplying an undercover police officer with 167 grams of methamphetamine.

The case against him was thrown out of court last week after the judge ruled the prosecution had failed to prove its case, and amid allegations of corruption against Inspector Luther Nurjib, the undercover officer who arrested Mr Bird and who was later accused of ``setting up'' the Australian.

Insp Nurjib was found guilty of contempt of court last month and fined RM2000 ($A665), after it emerged he had threatened and attempted to bribe a witness in the Bird case.

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Firestorms sweep across NSW

Dramatic pictures of fire crews on the ground battling fierce fires in rural NSW.

A HOME was destroyed, seven firefighters injured and thousands of residents and school students evacuated yesterday as NSW was ravaged by 63 blazes - prompting warnings of a horror bushfire season ahead.

Just 10 days into spring, Sydney's western suburbs, its northern fringes and the Blue Mountains were wrapped in thick smoke as firefronts raged.

Nutt Road Londonderry ablaze last night / Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: News Limited

Winds gusting to 70km/h fanned the flames which were sparked by record September temperatures of more than 32C - 12 degrees above the average.

ONE FAMILY'S TERROR OF STAYING BEHIND TO SAVE EVERYTHING

The conditions were eased by a cool change which swept across the city's west in the early evening.

Intense flames rage adjecent to Blacktown Road as firefighters try to contain the blaze. Picture courtesy Channel 9 Source: Supplied

Jeff Caffyn runs to protect his house in Garfield Rd Marsden Park / Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: News Limited

Firefighters battle a blaze in Bligh Park. Picture: Rogers Phil Source: Supplied

A home was destroyed in a 10ha grassfire near Grange Ave at Marsden Park, in the western suburbs, which was being fought by 70 firefighters.

CLOSED FIRE STATIONS 'PUT LIVES IN DANGER'

There were reports a fire truck had been destroyed as 150 crew members, using 30 appliances, battled a major grassfire at Castlereagh and Londonderry on the city's northern borders.

More than 3000 homes in the Richmond and Londonderry areas lost electricity as a result of the fires.

There were also reports a fish farm had been destroyed at South Windsor.

RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said having so many fires in such a concentrated area around Sydney's greater west was a challenge.

Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: News Limited

A children's cubby house and play set are choked by smoke in Bligh Park. Picture: Phil Rogers Source: Supplied

Large fires also burned at Cessnock, Wyong, Bathurst, the Snowy Mountains, the Bega Valley on the south coast and the Clarence Valley on the north coast.

In Winmalee, in the Blue Mountains, some residents rushed to pack belongings while others brought out deck chairs to watch the clouds of smoke.

Police went door-to-door and the RFS told residents to evacuate as the fire erupted late yesterday morning.

There are fears yesterday's infernos are a sign of things to come after an unseasonably dry winter.

Sue Marshal in Marsden Park off Garfield Rd / Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: News Limited

Concerned residents fear for their properties in Londonderry as the fires move closer. Source: News Limited

The bushfire Bligh Park / Picture: Dwayne Elix Source: Supplied

INTERACTIVE MAP - RURAL FIRE SERVICE

NSW Fire Commissioner Greg Mullins, Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and Police and Emergency Services minister Mike Gallacher last night visited crews in the Blue Mountains.

Mr Mullins said: "We hope this is not a portent of things to come.''

He said a wind change was sending the fire toward Hawkesbury Heights.

"It is a big body of fire that is going to take days to bring under control,"RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said: "This is not good news for the next three months and is not a good sign for summer.

"The fact we have had the hottest start ever to spring is a big concern.

"We have a situation where a lot of the vegetation is already dry and if you add continuing dry weather, then days of hot weather with strong winds and you have a very worrying situation."

"Today should serve as a wake-up call to everyone - you must be prepared for bushfires before they are on your doorstep.''

View of Londonderry fires from Bowen Mountain. Picture: Duncan Media Source: Supplied

Fire burns out of control in the Windsor Downs Nature Reserve. Source: News Limited

A large bushfire moves into Londonderry. Source: News Limited

Walter Markowski, 67, lives on Devlin Rd, Castlereagh, and spotted the flames about 1km from his property.

"I got an old tank of water from the roof and started putting out spot fires," he said. "The wind was changing quite rapidly. It was a whirlwind going back and forward.

"I put a spot fire out from the roof of my work shed. My home is all right.

"The wind was like a tornado and it kept changing the fire all the time."

Neighbour Jason Laurence rounded up his racing dogs as the fire approached.

"I have 12 dogs and I had to decide which ones to save. Luckily my mate came around with an eight-dog trailer and put eight in the trailer and four in my car and got out of there," he said.

A man waters down his roof in Windsor Downs / Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: News Limited

Devlin St Londonderry / Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: News Limited

A bushfire burns out of control at Marsden Park Source: News Limited

Bushfire in the Bligh Park area. Picture: Phil Rogers Source: News Limited

Bushfire at Marsden Park. Source: News Limited

Fire picture from tweeted by journalist Lizzie Pearl at Castlereagh Source: DailyTelegraph

A fish farm is destroyed by fire at South Windsor Source: Supplied

Aerial pictures courtesy of Channel 9 above Castlereagh Source: Supplied

Bush fire in the Bligh Park area / Picture: Phil Rogers Source: News Limited

Premier Barry O'Farrell told parliament yesterday that at one point there were 59 bush and grass fires blazing in NSW, 40 of them uncontained.

Mr O'Farrell said more than 500 firefighters and 200 appliances are responding to the fires across NSW. Two aircraft dropped water at Winmalee and another two were doing their vital work at Castlereagh yesterday.

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At Londonderry, where students from the public school were evacuated to the Penrith regatta centre, anxious residents were told to leave their homes. Some huddled at a petrol station as they waited to hear if their properties were safe.

The smell of bushfire smoke was wafting across Sydney's CBD.

Yashmin Narsamma said: "The coppers are at the front gates evacuating everybody. I've got horses, dogs, cats, kids in there.

Sonia Kovacek added: "I wanted to stay, I wanted to protect my cows.

Resident Kate Alexander opted to remain at her home. The farm owner did not know if her cattle, horse and sheep were safe. Ms Kovacek said a bushfire threatened a similar area three years ago and called for more back burning over the winter.

According to the NSW Rural Fire Service the fire is burning under strong northerly winds around Tickner Road, Castlereagh with properties on Devlin Road under threat.

A burnt out shed in Castlereagh. A grass fire is stalking homes near Devlin Road. Pic: Channel 9 Source: Supplied

Aerial pictures courtesy of Channel 9 above the Castlereagh blaze Source: Supplied

Pictures of the Castlereagh fire from the Channel 7 news chopper Source: Supplied

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