Palmerston North Police have launched an investigation after a man was found dead and a woman critically injured at a Russell Street property early this evening.
Police were notified just before 7pm after members of the public in the area heard yelling from the address. The Armed Offenders Squad also attended the address.
Officer in charge of the Manawatu CIB, Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan says: "It's difficult to piece together what has happened at this stage; however officers are in the process of speaking to witnesses at the property and others in the surrounding neighbourhood.
"At this stage it's too early to determine what has caused the injuries to both the man and the woman and what weapons were involved."
The address has been cleared and police are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident.
The woman has been transported by ambulance to Palmerston North Hospital and is in a critical condition.
"Our priorities this evening are securing the scene overnight so we can conduct a thorough scene examination in the next 24 hours. We will also be working to determine the dynamic between the people that live at the address," says Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan.
No further comment will be made by police on the investigation this evening.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.