The family of a woman from Northern Ireland whose body was found with severe trauma injuries in a car park in Australia say they are devastated by her death.

Comrie Cullen, 39, was discovered near an isolated angler's club at Taren Point in Sydney, New South Wales, by a man who had been walking his dog.

When police arrived they arrested a man seen leaving a nearby mangrove swamp with serious injuries to his arms and torso.

The 50-year-old man is believed to be Christopher Cullen, the woman's husband from whom she recently separated after a 15-year marriage. The couple were due to appear in court on Wednesday to fight a legal battle, according to police.

New South Wales Superintendent Gregory Antonjuk said: "We have the understanding that they were married for a period of 15-16 years and as of late last year, around October, the couple became estranged and there was some domestic incidents related to that reported to police.

"As a consequence of those reports an apprehended violence order was issued by the courts. A male was located exiting the mangrove swamp area near the vicinity of the crime scene.

"That person exhibited significant injuries to his arms and upper torso. He was immediately taken into custody and conveyed to a local hospital where he currently remains under police guard pending further treatment and surgery."

The Police Service of Northern Ireland issued a statement on behalf of the family of Ms Cullen, from Bangor, Co Down.

"Our family is devastated by Comrie's tragic death and we would ask for no media intrusion at this time."

The couple have three children, aged five, seven, and 11, who are being looked after by friends.