An Irish woman living in Australia is in an intensive care unit after being shot on Tuesday evening.
The woman, from Co. Mayo, emigrated seven years ago and has been working as a social worker.
She was shot in a house in the Northern Territory city of Darwin.
Police were called to the dwelling after reports of gunshots at around 6.30pm local time.
She was found to have suffered serious abdominal injuries, and was treated by paramedics at the scene.
She then underwent emergency surgery at the Royal Darwin Hospital and remains in a serious condition.
The suspected shooter, a 35-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The two are believed to have known each other.
Police have said they do not believe there is any further risk to the wider public.
The woman is a mother of one young child.
Northern Territory Police Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Morrissey said:
“At the location, first responders identified a female and 35-year-old male, both with apparent gunshot injuries.
“The female was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition in the intensive care unit.
“The male was declared deceased at the scene.”
Sgt Morrissey added: “Firearms have been located, and there does not appear to be any danger to the public.”
It is understood the woman’s family are travelling to Australia to be at her side.
