Manhunt ends with arrest after woman's body found

The arrest came after emergency services were called to a home in Kearsley on Friday night.

Officers found a 39-year-old woman, who is yet to be formally identified, dead at the residence.

Police on Saturday alerted the public that they wanted to speak with a man before they received a tip that he had been seen in Bellbird.

Hunter Valley Superintendent Steve Laksa said the death of the woman had involved a "traumatic incident".

"It was quite horrific for family members, all involved, and her three children," he told reporters on Saturday.

One of the children is understood to have run to a neighbour's property to find help.

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Lifeline 13 11 14

Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491