Detectives are investigating the suspected domestic violence homicide of a 39-year-old woman whose body was found in a northern New South Wales home.

Superintendent Steve Laksa said officers were called to reports a woman had been injured, with alleged gunshots heard on Ellalong Street in Kearsley, near Cessnock in the Hunter Valley, about 7.30pm on Friday.

He said officers who found the woman described the scene as "horrific and traumatic".

"Hunter Valley police, Cessnock police and a number of other police attended to reports of a female who suffered serious injuries," he said.

" There is information a firearm was discharged at the premises. "

"Hunter Valley police are being supported by the state crime command homicide squad in what's reported to be and is being investigated as a

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