A child was present during a suspected domestic violence assault that left two people fighting for life in Western Sydney, police have revealed.
Police were called to a home in Crawley Ave in Hebersham about 8.50am on Friday after reports of an assault.
On arrival, they found a woman, 30, with injuries to her head and a man, 29, with a stab wound to his neck.
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The woman was beaten with what is believed to be a hammer, allegedly by the man who is known to her.
It is understood he then turned a knife on himself when police arrived.
Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker said police immediately provided first aid to the pair, before they were rushed to Westmead Hospital, both in critical conditions.
The man remains under police guard in hospital.
Police revealed a child was home at the time of the assault.
“Family members arriving at the scene have made the triple-0 call,” McCusker said.
McCusker said strong welfare was in place for the attending officers and family members that were at the scene.
McCusker did not confirm the nature of the man and woman’s relationship, but said there was no history of domestic violence between the pair, nor were any aggravated violence orders in place.
The man is believed to live at the home and the reason for the woman attending is still under investigation, she added.
“I’m not aware that they live together at the house,” McCusker said.
“And in terms of any current or former relationship, that will be determined throughout the investigation.”
The horrific ordeal has shocked neighbours on the suburban street.
“The street’s normally quiet,” one neighbour told 7NEWS.
“Everyone here’s pretty friendly, so it’s been a pretty big shock.
A crime scene has been declared and inquiries are continuing.
A critical incident investigation has also been established to investigate the event and the response from the police.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
– With Andrew Denney