Man, 21, charged with murder after he allegedly stabbed another man, 40, at his front door before disappearing into bushland

A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing another man at a house in Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, about 4.30pm on Friday.

Police said the 40-year-old man was stabbed in the chest at the front door of his home in Kankool Way, Windale, 20 kilometers northeast of the Lake Macquarie CBD.

The alleged killer, Jacob Bell, fled into nearby bushland, but was found and arrested in Cherry Street, Windale, shortly before 5pm.

Bell was taken to Belmont police station and detectives began an investigation under the direction of Strike Force Clent.

The injured man was first taken to Belmont Hospital and then rushed to John Hunter Hospital, where he underwent surgery, but doctors were unable to save him.

Bell appeared at Newcastle Local Court on Saturday, where he did not apply for release and was formally refused bail.

He will reappear in court Tuesday, also charged with two counts of aggravated criminal trespass and sexually touching another person without consent.

Lake Macquarie Police District officers established a crime scene at the Kankool Way address and were told the victim was allegedly stabbed during an altercation in which a knife was pulled.

The police forensic detective is expected to remain at the scene for several days.

He Daily Telegraph reported that police believe the men did not know each other.