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A critical incident investigation has been launched to examine police's response to a domestic violence incident in northern NSW overnight in which a woman was allegedly murdered.
A man has been charged with murder over the death of a woman, believed to be in her 40s, at a home on Johnston Street in Casino, south-west of Byron Bay.
A call was made to Triple Zero about the incident shortly after 1.30am, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna APM said.
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However, police did not acknowledge the call until 2.25am, then rushed to the scene to arrive at 2.27am.
They arrived to find the woman breathing but "unconscious with obvious injuries to her head".
"Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated and she died at the scene," McKenna said.
A man, 31, was arrested at the scene and taken to Lismore Police Station.
The man has this afternoon been charged with one count of murder.
McKenna said the timeframe in which police responded to the callout prompted the need for an independent investigation.
"The delay has given me enough concern that I have asked for an independent investigation," McKenna said.
"What (police) were doing prior to that and what other jobs there were will form part of that investigation."
The assistant commissioner said how the radio operator dispatched the call would also be analysed.
He reaffirmed NSW Police's commitment to tackling domestic violence.
"We're striving everyday to make a difference," he said.
"Domestic violence is something at the top of our priority list."
Anyone with information in relation to the incident is urged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
