Child, seven, ran to get help after mum killed in suspected domestic violence attack, police say

A man has been arrested after a woman died at a home in the NSW Hunter Valley last night.

Rhukaya Lake, 39, was found dead by police in a home in Kearsley, about 155 kilometres north of Sydney, about 7.30pm yesterday.

Officers say a young child raised the alarm after running 400 metres to flag down passersby following the alleged attack.

Rhukaya Lake, 39, was found dead by police in a home in Kearsley, about 155 kilometres north of Sydney, about 7.30pm yesterday. (Nine)

Passers-by stopped and called police.

“It was a traumatic incident as you can imagine, quite horrific,” Superintendent Steve Laksa said.

Police say a gun was fired at the property.

Earlier today, police made a plea for public assistance to find Christopher James McLoughney, 37, who is believed to be Lake’s partner.

“Police believe this person may have crucial information in relation to the offence that was committed there last night,” Laksa said.

A 37-year-old man was arrested this evening after police were informed he had been seen in Bellbird.

Police made a plea for public assistance to find Christopher James McLoughney, 37, who is believed to be Lake’s partner. (Supplied)

Police seized a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition allegedly found when the vehicle he was in was searched.

A Black Hyundai Tucson has also been seized.

McLoughney and Lake had been in a relationship since June this year, Laksa said.

He had lived at the home for years looking after his elderly grandparents, who own the Kearsley property, until they went into care.

Officers say a young child raised the alarm after running 400 metres to flag down passersby following the alleged attack. (Nine)

Neighbours say Lake had only moved in recently and mostly kept to herself.

The victim is the 58th woman alleged to have been killed in a domestic violence attack in Australia this year.

Help is available from the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.