The discovery of a woman's body inside a car parked outside a police station in New South Wales has triggered a major investigation, with authorities declaring a critical incident.
Discovery and Immediate Response
Officers made the grim find on Pioneer Drive in Lake Illawarra, approximately 100 kilometres south of Sydney, at around 4.30pm on Friday. The vehicle was situated outside the local police station. Paramedics from NSW Ambulance attended and assessed the 48-year-old woman, but she could not be revived.
Police have indicated that initial evidence suggests the woman's body had been inside the car for a significant period. Investigators believe she had been there since approximately 6.30pm on the preceding Tuesday.
Launch of a Critical Incident Investigation
Following the discovery, detectives from the Wollongong Police District established a crime scene and initiated a critical incident investigation. Such probes are standard procedure for serious incidents involving police or occurring in proximity to police operations.
To ensure transparency and independent scrutiny, the investigation will undergo a two-tiered review. The Professional Standards Command will conduct an independent review, and the entire process will be overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, NSW's police watchdog.
Ongoing Inquiries and Coroner's Report
The circumstances leading to the woman's death remain the central focus of the active investigation. Police have not yet publicly released the identity of the 48-year-old woman.
As is mandatory in cases of unexplained death, a report will be prepared for the Coroner, who will ultimately determine the cause and manner of her death. The community awaits further details as the complex investigation unfolds.
