Man charged with murder after woman, 70, found dead in fire-damaged northern NSW home

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.

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

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.

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