A man has charged with murder, accused of stabbing his partner to death inside an apartment in the NSW Northern Tablelands.
Emergency services were called to the Rockvale Road complex in Armidale at about 2am on Thursday.
A woman, 48, was found with multiple stab wounds. She was treated by paramedics but was unable to be revived.
Vincent Raymond Blair, 53, was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with murder.
He did not appear in a bail court on Thursday, where his lawyer made no application for his release.
Blair will remain in custody until his next appearance in Armidale Local Court via video link on December 16.
Police are treating the woman’s death as a domestic violence incident.
A unit complex in Armidale remains a crime scene after a woman was allegedly stabbed to death on Thursday morning
Detectives and forensic officers will spend much of Thursday at the scene
It is understood the alleged victim and the man had recently separated following a de-facto relationship spanning several decades.
A knife allegedly used in the attack has been seized for forensic examination.
‘The victim has been identified, and we have been in contact with her family this morning,’ New England Police Inspector Greg Ryan told reporters.
‘Obviously, this is devastating for the family, and we will continue to support the family and community.
‘The police were aware of both parties and that will be subject to an investigation.’
The unit complex remains a crime scene, where detectives were seen doorknocking neighbours.
Insp Ryan confirmed that police were speaking with a number of witnesses, including residents at the unit complex.
‘The investigation is still in its infancy and will continue today,’ he said.
New England Police Inspector Greg Ryan confirmed that a man arrested at the scene has since been charged with murder
‘These scenes are quite tragic for emergency services to attend and you can imagine what that would be like. It is not a nice job.’
Bouquets of flowers were placed outside the cordoned-off complex on Thursday.
‘My sincere condolences go to the woman’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,’ state Northern Tablelands MP Brendan Moylan posted online.
‘I also thank our police, paramedics and emergency services personnel who responded to the incident.’
Investigations into the woman’s death continue.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
