A man has been killed and a woman is in a critical condition after a double stabbing in Launceston.
Tasmania Police said a man entered the home on Prossers Forest Road at Ravenswood around 3:30am on Thursday and stabbed the man and woman.
The man who was stabbed was aged in his 30s and died at the scene.
The woman, also aged in her 30s, remains in a critical condition at the Launceston General Hospital.
Two teenage children were in the house at the time but were not harmed.
Police said they were now in the care of others and receiving support.
Tasmanian Police said they wanted the public's help to find a man called Kerry Whiting, who they said "may be able to assist with their enquiries".
"While it is not believed Kerry is a threat to the community, anyone who sees him is asked not to approach him and phone police immediately," police said in a statement.
Anyone with information is being asked to phone police immediately on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
On Thursday afternoon, Inspector Mel Groves said police were "directing significant resources" to try and find Mr Whiting, 44.
"I can reassure all members of the public we are doing everything we can to bring this to a safe resolution."
Inspector Groves said the two teenagers who were in the house at the time were the children of the injured woman.
She said one of them called police to raise the alarm.
"They are in good care and they will be provided with ongoing support from various services."
Neighbour Ken Walkley said other than his dogs barking, he did not hear anything out of the ordinary during the night.
"I didn't hear anyone screaming or any noises like that," he said.
Mr Walkley has lived in the suburb for 10 years.
"There's been a few things happen now and again around here, and so close to home, it's frightening," he said.
"Mostly the people up here are pretty good in Ravenswood, but you always get the odd bad one now and again."
Lifelong Ravenswood resident Anna Johnson said the incident was frightening.
"It shouldn't have happened, especially when there are kids inside the house," she said.
"I've lived here all my life and nothing like this has happened before.
Ron Wright said it was upsetting to see.
"Most people really love it and get along so well, and we're doing community work here at the moment, so it's really upsetting it's happening, and why, what's causing it?"
