Authorities report that a child sought assistance after their mother was tragically killed, while an armed suspect remains at large.

The child reportedly sprinted 400 meters to a neighbor’s house following the alleged incident in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, near Sydney, last evening.

Concerned passers-by intervened and promptly contacted the police.

The suspected attack unfolded in Kearsley, a locality in Cessnock, around 7:30 p.m. yesterday.

“This was an incredibly distressing event, as you might expect,” stated Superintendent Steve Laksa. “It was particularly devastating for the family members involved, including her two adult children and one young child.”

Police confirmed that a firearm was discharged at the scene.

They are searching for the woman’s partner, Christopher James McLoughney, 37, who they say may have a gun.

McLoughney and the woman had been in a relationship since June this year, Laksa said.

Police believe he may in be in Cessnock, the Lower Hunter or Newcastle.

“Police believe this person may have crucial information in relation to the offence that was committed there last night,” Laksa said.

“We just ask the community to provide any information they have in relation to him.

“I’m sure there would be someone out there who knows where he is, or may know where he is, we just call upon those people to give us call and provide their details or anonymously.”

He is known to police and is white with short ginger hair, a thin build and is 175 -178cm tall.

The victim is the 58th woman alleged to have been killed in a domestic violence attack in Australia this year.