Detectives have commenced an investigation following the fatal shooting of a 61-year-old woman near Newcastle yesterday.
Police say that just after 8pm yesterday, emergency services were called to a home on Queen Street in Stockton, following reports of a shooting.
“A woman died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified,” NSW Police said in a statement.
Police have been told the woman answered her front door before she was shot.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene, which is being examined by specialist forensic police.
Police say an eight-month-old child was also in the home at the time of the shooting.
“It’s horrendous. An innocent person has answered the front door of a home and she’s been shot in the chest and killed in the presence of a relative and a child,” Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey said.
“It doesn’t get any worse.”
As inquiries continue, anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the surrounding area is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
