A man has been taken into custody following the death of a woman near Cessnock overnight.
Just after 7.30pm on Friday (31 October 2025), emergency services were called to a home on Ellalong Street, Kearsley, following reports of a domestic incident. When officers arrived, they found the body of a woman inside the residence.
Earlier today, police issued a public appeal to locate a 37-year-old man they believed could assist with their inquiries.
That man was arrested a short time later after police were alerted he had been seen in Bellbird.
During the arrest, officers allegedly located a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition inside a vehicle. Both items were seized for forensic examination, and a black Hyundai Tucson was also impounded. The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he is assisting detectives with their investigation.
Local detectives — assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad — have established Strike Force Keavall to investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
Police have confirmed inquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online. Information is confidential and can be provided anonymously.