A driver has smashed into a tree after suffering a fatal gunshot wound, with the unidentified man dying at the scene as police launch a homicide investigation.
Emergency services were called to Hideaway Drive in Salt Ash at about 1.45pm on Sunday August 29 after reports a Ford Ranger ute had struck a tree.
NSW paramedics and police found the male driver with a gunshot wound, and despite best efforts were unable to save his life.
A man has been found dead with a gunshot wound after his car slammed into a tree on Sunday afternoon in Salt Ash, south-west of Port Stephens
The death is being treated as suspicious, with a crime scene being set up in the suburb, which is south-west of Port Stephens.
A second vehicle was found burnt out on Masonite Road in Heatherbrae.
Homicide detectives will examine both crime scenes.
Anyone with information or dash-cam footage that may be able to assist investigators is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers.