A man has been charged with murder after an elderly woman was found dead inside a fire-damaged home in northern NSW.

Police were called to a home on Ironbark Rd at Mole River, about 40 minutes west of Tenterfield, at 9.35pm on Saturday following reports of a domestic violence incident.

Officers were told a 37-year-old man had entered the property and attempted to steal a vehicle before allegedly assaulting the 74-year-old male homeowner.

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The man was arrested at the scene.

Officers then attended a neighbouring property, where they discovered the body of a woman believed to be aged 70.

The house she was found in had been partially damaged by fire. 

Crime scenes have been established at both locations as investigations are underway. 

Police allege the 37-year-old and the 70-year-old were known to each other. 

Following investigations, the man was charged with murder.

He was refused bail and is due to appear before Bail Division Local Court 5 on Monday.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

In an emergency, call 000.

Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491