A woman has died and a knife-wielding man has been arrested in a confrontation with police on the NSW Mid-North Coast.

The woman was allegedly already dead when police, responding to reports of an assault, arrived at a home on Corella Cl in Congarinni, about 25km southwest of Nambucca Heads, about 11.30am on Thursday.

A 72-year-old man armed with a knife confronted the officers, sparking a struggle before he was arrested, police said.

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He suffered multiple injuries which were believed to be self-inflicted.

The woman, believed to be aged in her 70s, was assessed by paramedics and declared dead.

The man was treated before being taken to hospital under police guard.

A crime scene has been established and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death are underway.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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