A young woman stumbled across the body of her mother when she arrived at the house of her great-grandmother after becoming concerned for their welfare.

The Newcastle Herald reported that detectives will await the results of an autopsy today before confirming whether Tammy Sindermann, 43, was murdered and her body left on the floor of a back shed on a property belonging to her grandmother, Irma Sindermann.

Irma Sindermann lived in Greta, north-west of Newcastle, for more than 50 years, after spending time at nearby migrant camps. She was found unharmed inside the Wyndham Street property.

She was being cared for last night by the great-granddaughter who made the discovery.

Police were called to the property about 9.30am yesterday on reports a woman had been found hanging inside a shed.

But they discovered Tammy Sindermann's body on the floor of the wooden shed and have since ruled out self-harm as the cause of her death.

Police would only confirm they were treating the death as suspicious, with Hunter Valley crime manager, Detective Inspector Trent King, saying they would await reports from forensic pathologists before confirming whether they were investigating a murder.

Strike Force Wintervale has been formed by local detectives and homicide squad investigators.

The Newcastle Herald understands that the suspected murder appears to have occurred on Monday night.

A relative said last night Tammy Sindermann and her partner had been living with her grandmother at the property for the past two years.

Detective Inspector King said police had yet to locate the partner but would not speculate on motive or "lines of inquiry".

Neighbours said they regularly saw and spoke to the couple living in the house.

Information should be forwarded to Hunter Valley detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

- Newcastle Herald