A young woman whose naked body was found floating face down in a blow hole on the NSW Central Coast was viciously attacked before her death, police believe.
The young Asian woman, believed to be aged between 20 and 35, was discovered by a tourist in the water at Snapper Point in the Munmorah State Conservation Area on Sunday morning.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin said she had suffered a number of stab wounds.
"Our interpretation of the situation is that she suffered a violent assault prior to her death," he told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday.
Investigators believe the woman entered the water at the blow hole and had been there no more than 48 hours.
"There was no, what appeared to be, significant injuries from the rocks," Insp Jubelin said.
"The most likely possibility is that she went in the water at the blowhole."
Police haven't ruled out the possibility the woman was killed elsewhere and dumped.
"The car park is right at the entrance of the blow hole. It is possible (the woman) was transported by vehicle," Insp Jubelin said.
The area is frequented by tourists and rock fisherman, with a popular campsite nearby.
Investigators have combed the area, retrieved undisclosed items from the water and are checking CCTV footage.
"I won't reveal what we've uncovered but we're getting a pretty good understanding of what occurred in that area during that time," Insp Jubelin said.
He said the woman had been found in an incredibly lonely area.
"It's a very beautiful location but for a crime and someone to be disposed of in that manner in that location, it's a very lonely and isolated area."
The woman has not been formally identified.
Police have released a computer-generated image of her. She has no tattoos or distinctive scars and was not wearing jewellery when found.
"Anyone with any information or concerns about a woman matching that description we would encourage to come forward," Insp Jubelin said.
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