By Riley Walter and Amber Schultz
A woman has died after running through a glass door to flee an alleged domestic violence incident in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
NSW Police has launched Strike Force Lyndoch to investigate the death of marketing and events manager Claire Austin, 38, who died in St Vincent’s Hospital on Tuesday, after three days in a critical condition.
Police have launched an investigation into the suspicious death of 38-year-old Randwick woman Claire Austin (left).
Police were called to Austin’s Randwick unit about 7.40am on Saturday after a neighbour reported hearing an argument.
When officers arrived, they found Austin with a severe laceration to her arm. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated her at the scene before taking her to hospital. Police believe she was trying to escape a domestic violence incident when she was injured.
A 44-year-old man known to Austin was taken to Maroubra police station to assist investigators with inquiries into Austin’s death, police said. He was released without charge.
Police were called to Austin’s Randwick apartment after a neighbour reported an argument.Credit: Nine
Police had applied for an apprehended violence order on behalf of Austin. The application was due to be heard in Waverley Local Court on Wednesday.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said reports of Austin’s death were “disturbing”.
“I feel so terribly sorry for that woman and her family,” Minns said.
Mourners left flower tributes and notes outside the Randwick apartment building.Credit: Jamie Berry
“I can just imagine how devastated they are today. It’s another example of somebody dying, allegedly at the hands of domestic violence. I want the public to be assured that there’s a task force that’s been set up by NSW Police. They’re taking it incredibly seriously and the focus will be justice for that woman and her family.”
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell described Austin’s death as an “absolute tragedy and the loss of another precious life” and said police were “determined to work out exactly what happened”.
“People have to stop dying in situations of domestic violence,” he told The Daily Telegraph.
“Whether it’s women or men, and most of the time it is women who die in DV situations, it is tragic and it has to end.”
Several ambulance and police vehicles lined Randwick Street on Saturday morning as officers combed the crime scene.
Austin, originally from Britain, was fatally injured when she tried to force her way through a sliding door in her top-floor unit, lacerating an artery in her arm.
Austin had worked as a senior event producer at The Misfits, a Sydney creative agency, since March, according to her LinkedIn profile, and studied in the UK before moving to Australia.
If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114, beyondblue on 1800 512 348, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.