Port Macquarie: Woman doused in petrol and stabbed multiple times by man believed to be boyfriend

POLICE have shot dead a man who repeatedly stabbed a woman — believed to be his partner — and then doused her in petrol in a horrific domestic violence attack on the NSW North Coast.

Police at the scene on the Pacific Highway after the shooting. Picture: Frank Redwood

POLICE have shot dead a man who repeatedly stabbed a woman — believed to be his partner — then doused her in petrol in a horrific domestic violence attack on the NSW North Coast.

The 28-year-old woman, whose name has not yet been released, was able to stagger to a neighbour’s house in Magnolia Pl, Port Macquarie, and call for help about 6pm.

A woman was treated by paramedics after she was stabbed a number of times by a man believed to be her boyfriend. Picture: Nathan Edwards

Police at the scene on the Pacific Highway after the shooting. Picture: Frank Redwood

Paramedics and police arrived to find her lying in a pool of blood in the neighbour’s garage.

She was treated at the scene and then rushed to Port Macquarie Base Hospital, where she was said to be in a serious condition.

It is believed she last night underwent scans to determine the extent of her injuries.

The horror attack triggered a manhunt of the surrounding streets and the 36-year-old man was spotted driving along the Pacific Highway about 9.45pm.

Officers gave chase, eventually cornering him at Bonville near Coffs Harbour.

Police did not release ­details about the confrontation that led to him being shot dead.

The 36-year-old was shot dead following a pursuit. Picture: Frank Redwood

The woman was doused in petrol during the attack. Picture: Nathan Edwards

She was rushed to hospital. Picture: Nathan Edwards

But police confirmed the 36-year-old man died “following a confrontation with police”.

“A critical incident team from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident including the discharge of a police firearm,” a NSW Police Force spokesman said.

Police are still investigating the earlier incident but it is understood the victim managed to escape her attacker before running up the property’s steep driveway to seek help from her neighbour.

It is believed the pair were connected via online dating ap Tinder, although it is unknown if they were a couple or had just met.

Earlier, witnesses to the attack said they were shocked it had occurred in a calm, well-kept suburban cul-de-sac.

“It’s not a grubby neighbourhood at all, it’s calm, really well kept and very nice,” one neighbour said.

“It’s just such a shock when an attack like that happens around here.

“There are a lot of families around here.”

Other neighbours said they were surprised when told of the horror attack because they had not heard any loud noises or sounds of a struggle from the house.

Police search for the attacker. Picture: Nathan Edwards

In a separate attack a 21 year-old man suffered cuts to his shoulder after he was stabbed at a home in Ogmore Cr, Bankstown.

He was rushed to Liverpool Hospital, while another man, 25, who also lived at the property was arrested.