Police have launched a manhunt after the body of a woman was found inside a home in Kearsley, near Cessnock, on Friday night.
Emergency services were called to Ellalong Street just after 7.30pm following reports of a domestic incident. When officers arrived, they discovered the body of a woman inside the home. She is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be in her 30s.
Detectives have since identified Christopher James McLoughney i as a person of interest and are urging the public to be on alert. Police say McLaughney is armed and dangerous, and members of the public should not approach him under any circumstances.
A large-scale search is now underway across the Hunter region, with officers from the Hunter Valley Police District working alongside the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.
A crime scene remains in place as specialist forensic officers continue to examine the property.
Anyone who sights Chris McLaughney or knows of his whereabouts is urged to call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.