New York: The fiance of the Australian woman shot dead by a police officer near their home in Minneapolis on Saturday night has described her as a loving and generous woman, while pleading with local authorities for more information about her last moments alive.

Justine Damond, 40, was shot dead on Saturday in an alley in the suburban Minneapolis neighbourhood of Fulton, after phoning 911 to report what she believed was a sexual assault occurring nearby.

She went outside in her pyjamas, and a short time later was shot dead by a police officer, who has been identified as Mohamed Noor.

Her tearful fiance, Don Damond, gave a brief statement to the press on Monday, supported by family members.