BY IAN CROUCH

UPDATE:

Police are appealing for information after a woman was shot dead in what is believed to be a targeted attack.

The woman in her 60s was shot in the chest when she opened her front door the shooter.

The victims 31-year-old daughter and newborn granddaughter were inside the home at the time of the shooting.

Police believe there was no altercation before the victim was shot.

Newcastle Police Commander Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey says police are still working out the identity of the shooter and they did not expect to make any arrests anytime soon.

Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey

EARLIER:

A woman has been shot dead at Stockton overnight.

Police and paramedics were called to a home on Queen Street just after 8.00pm on Wednesday.

Police have been told the woman answered her front door when she was shot.

She’s yet to be formally identified but is believed to be aged 61.

Strike Force Backhouse has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Detectives are appealing for anyone in the surrounding area with CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police blocking off Queen Street in Stockton overnight. Photo: Donna Paige/Newcastle Herald