Homicide detectives are investigating after a woman was allegedly stabbed to death by a housemate in Sydney’s inner west.
Officers were called to Clements Street in Russell Lea just after 11am when a member of the public reported hearing a woman scream for help.
They found the body of a woman who was believed to be in her 50s and has not been formally identified.
A 42-year-old male housemate was arrested at the scene.
Detective Superintendent Christine McDonald said the woman sustained “significant and multiple” stab injuries to her upper body.
She said the death is being investigated as a domestic violence incident given the pair lived together but it is not believed they were in an intimate relationship.
Superintendent McDonald said officers were on the scene one minute after the call.
“Police responded rapidly knowing that the triple-0 call had mentioned that a female was screaming and needed help,” she said.
Neighbours have told the ABC they had previously heard disturbances at the property.
Superintendent McDonald said the man moved in a few weeks ago and three other housemates were home at the time of the woman’s death.
The man has a criminal history of non-violent driving and drug-related offences, Detective Superintendent McDonald said.
A crime scene has been established.
Detectives have been seen entering the two neighbouring properties of the house where the body was found.
Local resident Julia Arnaout said the news was “shocking for everyone in the area”.
“My heart just goes out to the family of the victim … we hope they find some peace in this,” she said.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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