NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said two officers could easily have been killed after they were shot while attending a domestic dispute in northern New South Wales.

Key points: Two officers were shot, one in the face and one in the neck, when they attended a domestic dispute in Glen Innes

Two officers were shot, one in the face and one in the neck, when they attended a domestic dispute in Glen Innes The 74-year-old man who fired up on them was later found dead in his home, along with an injured 59-year-old woman

The 74-year-old man who fired up on them was later found dead in his home, along with an injured 59-year-old woman A critical incident investigation has been launched and the officers were in a stable condition in Gold Coast Hospital

Last night, three officers were called to a house on Church Street in Glen Innes and had a short discussion with a 74-year-old man, before he opened fire on them with a rifle.

NSW Police said a male sergeant was shot in the side of the face and a female senior constable was struck in the neck, before they were able to escape.

A third officer, a female probationary constable, was uninjured.

The three officers escaped and called for backup and were providing first-aid for one another when a third gunshot was heard.

When police entered the home, they found the 74-year-old man dead and a 59-year-old woman was found nearby with minor injuries.

Sorry, this video has expired Police officers airlifted to Gold Coast Hospital after being shot in Glen Innes

The Police Association of NSW said it was a "horrific shooting incident" and shockwaves were sent through the police and family community.

Speaking with media, Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said the officers in stable condition in Gold Coast Hospital.

"We're very mindful that last night we could have lost two officers very easily here in this incident," he said.

"Thank goodness we haven't and the whole police family wishes them both a speedy and full recovery from their injuries."

Neighbour Wayne Hart said he heard a pair loud bangs, which he initially believed to be firecrackers.

The blocked street in Glen Innes this morning ( ABC News: Caitlin Furlong )

"I jumped out of bed to look out the front window to see if there was a crash or something, because it just sounded so close," he said.

"It was quite startling."

Mr Hart thought nothing of it and went back to sleep.

It wasn't until his wife, who was in Queensland at the time, messaged him in the morning did he realise how serious it was.

A critical incident investigation team has been formed and will be assisted by members from the homicide squad.