Police were called to a house on Stevenson Street abut 7pm following reports two women had been stabbed.

Outside the premises police found a 39-year-old woman with a stab wound to her abdomen. She was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to Manning Base Hospital where she received stitches and was later released.

Police forced entry into the house where they found a dead 49-year-old woman. They arrested a 53-year-old man who was in the house.

He was charged with murder, wounding with intent and breach apprehended domestic violence order.

He was refused bail to appear in Taree Local Court on Monday.