A critical incident has been launched after a woman died while in custody at Maitland Police Station.

About 12.45am (Monday 18 July 2016), police located and detained a 36-year-old woman who appeared intoxicated, walking along Wollumbi Road, Cessnock.

The woman was transported by police to Maitland Police Station and placed in a holding cell.

About 6am the woman was found deceased.

A Critical Incident Team from Newcastle will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.

That investigation will be subject to independent review.

All information will be provided to the Coroner who will determine the cause of death and make any findings about the events leading to the woman’s death.

The welfare of the police officers has been addressed and they are being supported.

The woman’s family has been notified and our thoughts and condolences go out to the family.