Warrawong: Horror as woman, 39, is stabbed and three teenage girls are charged in NSW Illawarra region

Three teenage girls have been charged following a horrific stabbing that left a woman fighting for her life. 

Emergency services were called to Wegit Way, at Warrawong, on the NSW south coast, following reports of a brawl about 6.30pm on Wednesday.

Police found a 39-year-old woman with a number of stab wounds to her torso.

She was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Wollongong Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident was launched.

A short time later, responding police arrested three girls – aged 13, 14, and 15 – on nearby Northcliffe Drive.

Officers seized a number of items, including knives, which will be sent for forensic examination.

The teenagers were taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station, where the two older girls were charged with being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, custody of a knife in a public place and affray.

The 14-year-old girl was also charged with stalking and intimidation and intend fear and physical harm.

The youngest girl was charged with affray.

All three were refused bail to appear at a children's court Thursday.

Detectives are continuing their investigation, with initial inquiries suggesting more people were present at the time of the incident.