‘Screaming hysterically’: Man arrested after woman’s body found in Hunter Valley home

A man has been arrested after a woman’s body was found at a home in the Hunter Valley on Halloween.

Emergency services were called to Ellalong St in Kearsley, near Cessnock, about 7.30pm Friday after reports of a domestic violence incident.

A woman, believed to be 39 years old, was found dead at the home.

A 37-year-old man has since been arrested after he was seen in Bellbird, about 9km from where the incident occurred.

He was arrested while driving a black Hyundai Tucson, which has been seized by police.

Police allegedly located a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition in the car, which have also been seized for forensic examination.

The man has been taken to Cessnock Police Station.

No charges have been laid.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday afternoon, Superintendent Steve Laksa said the scene was “quite horrific and traumatic for the police attending”.

Police understand three children were home at the time of the incident, one fleeing the house “seeking support of neighbours”.

“It was a traumatic incident, as you’d imagine,” he said.

“Quite horrific for family members, all involved – her three young children, or two adult children, one young child.”

Neighbour Cecil Campbell told The Daily Telegraph the child was screaming “hysterically” for help.

“It was bloody shocking,” he told the outlet.

“This has never happened here before.”

Earlier, Superintendent Laksa said police were looking to speak to Christopher James McLoughney, 37, in relation to the incident.

He is believed to have been in a relationship with the deceased woman at the time of the incident.

He is described as being of caucasian appearance, with very short red hair and about 175cm to 178cm in height.

“It’s believed he may be driving a 2008-model black Hyundai Tuscon SUV with NSW registration, DK75HP,” Superintendent Laksa said.

He warned the man may be armed and in the Cessnok, Lower Hunter or Newcastle area.

“Police would ask that the community members, if they do know this person or have seen this person, to use caution,” he said.

“It is very important that people do not approach this man.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.