An Irish woman is in critical condition after a shooting in the city of Darwin in northern Australia.

Northern Territory Police say the woman suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was rushed to Royal Darwin Hospital in critical condition.

The 38-year-old social care worker from County Mayo was found by officers responding to reports of a shooting at a house in the suburb of Millner at around 6:30pm local time yesterday.

She was stabilised at the scene and has since undergone emergency surgery.

The woman is understood to be the mother of a young child.

A 35-year-old man was also found dead in the house and police say a firearm was seized “close to his person”.

He was known to the woman and police believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Northern Territory Police Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Morrissey said “Multiple units” were deployed to the incident and the Major Crime Squad will be thoroughly investigating.

Detective Senior noted that “at no stage was there a risk to the wider public.”

He said a file will ultimately be prepared for the coroner.

Media reports in Australia suggest police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the shooting.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.