Police launch murder probe over Queensland woman's stabbing death

Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of a 29-year-old woman who was found with a stab wound to the neck outside a Townsville apartment block.

Emergency services were called to units on Riverway Drive, in Condon, about 7.20pm yesterday where a woman was found lying on the footpath outside the residence.

Paramedics attempted to treat the woman's injuries before she was rushed to Townsville University Hospital in a critical condition.

She was pronounced dead just before 9pm last night.

Queensland Police Detective Acting Inspector Jason Shepherd said authorities were looking for "three or four people" who they wish to speak with regarding the matter.

Det Act Insp Shepherd said at this stage there is no evidence the incident was linked to domestic or family violence.

"There are a number of people of interest that we're looking at the moment that don't fit into that sort of a relationship," he told a media conference today.

"There's no evidence of a history of domestic violence with the victim and the information we have at this stage is she wasn't currently in a relationship."

He said a search of the area found the weapon used in the attack.

"It's a large size hunting knife. It is a knife that you would normally take camping or hunting," he said.

Neighbours alerted police to the emergency after hearing a commotion.

"They've heard a noise, looked out and they've seen the lady laying on the footpath," he said.

"There is signs of a little bit of blood inside the unit leading out to the footpath, so it would appear that the initial injury has occurred in a unit and that the lady has then walked out of the unit to the footpath and that's where she's collapsed."

Det Act Insp Shepherd said there were no signs of robbery or break and enter, suggesting the victim may have known her attacker.

"It is highly likely at this stage that the person is known, but in that regard it's more like an associate… as opposed to someone who's in a relationship," he said.

He added the community should not be concerned, as the attack was not random.

"It's certainly not linked to a break and enter type offence… it's somebody we believe at this stage, and again, it's really early stages, is that it is someone known to the victim."

A crime scene was established and police continue to investigate.

Anyone who may have CCTV or dash cam vision in or around the area is urged to contact police.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at Crime Stoppers.