Man charged over death of woman, 70, in northern NSW

A man has been charged with murder over the death of a 70-year-old woman in the NSW Northern Tablelands

Police were sent to a domestic violence call at a property at 9.35pm on Saturday at Mole River, about 40 minutes west of Tenterfield in New England.

Officers were told a 37-year-old man had entered a property and tried to steal a vehicle before assaulting the home owner, a man aged 74.

Police arrested the 37-year-old before visiting the neighbouring property, where they found a body – believed to be a 70-year-old woman.

She is yet to be formally identified.

The house the woman was found in had also been partially damaged by fire.

Police set up crimes scenes at both locations and started investigations before charging the 37-year-old.

It will be alleged in court he and the woman were known to each other.

The man was refused bail and is due to appear before court on Monday.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).