Friends vow to be a voice for 21-year-old Mackenzie Anderson killed in alleged domestic violence stabbing at Mayfield

Mackenzie Anderson, who friends affectionately knew as Max, died after "suffering significant, significant injuries" in the stabbing at a Crebert Street unit.

A 22-year-old man who police say Mackenzie had previously been in a relationship with is currently in police custody in relation to her death.

Man to front court, charged with Mackenzie's murder

Mackenzie's friends Jade Roden and Alice Mcevoy, who was the godmother of Mackenzie's 1-year-old son, told the Newcastle Herald the 21-year-old was "an amazing mother and friend".

"Her energy and spirit was so significant," the pair said in a shared statement.

"She was the life of the party, and so full of life always."

While paying tribute to their friend, they also promised to look out for Mackenzie's young child.

"We are going to make sure her memory lives on through her son," they said.

"We love her so much, we will stand strong for her and her son. We will be her voice."

It comes after emergency services were called to the Crebert Street unit about 10.40pm Friday, responding to reports a man had broken into a unit.

They arrived to find a 21-year-old female on a landing outside of a unit "suffering significant, significant injuries," Newcastle City Police commander Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey said.

Police and paramedics rendered assistance, but she died at the scene.

Detective Superintendent Humphrey told reporters on Saturday he had spent 20 minutes or so viewing the body-worn footage from the incident.

"It was an horrendous scene," he said. "Horrendous."

The 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene and was yet to be charged yesterday.

"A male has been taken into custody and is assisting police with enquiries and is presently be treated for an injury we believe is related to the incident," Detective Superintendent Humphrey said on Saturday.

"Strike Force Slant has been commenced to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of this lady."

Flowers with the message "RIP xoxoxo" had been left at the scene over the weekend, while a crime scene remained in place at the unit block on Sunday.

Inquiries are continuing.

Anyone who has information about this incident that may assist police in their inquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

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