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A man arrested over the stabbing death of a woman in Newcastle last night was the victim's former partner and had recently been released on parole, police say.
Officers arrived to find a "horrendous" scene at an apartment block in Mayfield at about 10:40pm on Friday after receiving reports a man had broken into the woman's home.
Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey said a 21-year-old woman was found with "significant injuries" on the landing of the Crebert Street unit.
She was treated at the scene for multiple stab wounds but died.
A man, 22, was arrested and is currently assisting police with their inquiries.
No charges have yet been laid.
Superintendent Humphrey said the man and woman had previously been in a relationship and an apprehended violence order (AVO) was in place at the time of the woman's death.
"There is an AVO in play but the circumstances that have occurred since he was released on parole are under investigation," he said.
The man is being treated for an injury police said occurred during the incident inside the woman's unit.
Body-worn camera footage captured by attending police officers showed "a horrendous scene", Superintendent Humphrey said.
A three-year-old child was also present and was found "covered in blood", he said.
The child is now in the care of relatives.
"It would appear, thankfully, that child is not injured," Superintendent Humphrey said.
Anyone with information is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.