NSW woman in her 60s shot dead after answering front door

A New South Wales woman aged in her 60s has been shot dead at her home in Newcastle overnight.

NSW Police Force confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday morning.

Emergency services were called to the home on Queen Street in Stockton, in Newcastle, at about 8pm on Wednesday following reports of a shooting. Police believe the woman was answering her front door when she was fatally shot.

The woman died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be aged 61.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District have since established a crime scene at the home, which is being examined by specialist forensic police.

“As inquiries continue, anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the surrounding area is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” police said.