A homicide investigation has been launched after a woman and two children were killed at a home in Rotorua last night.
Inspector Logan Marsh said emergency services were called to the address on High Street in Glenholme shortly before 10.30pm.
Two young children were dead and a woman was found with life-threatening injuries.
"Despite extensive efforts by police and ambulance crews, the woman died at the scene," Marsh said.
"The deaths of all three victims are being treated as homicides, and the circumstances remain under investigation."
A man at the address was assisting police with inquiries.
"At this time, police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident."
A scene guard will remain in place overnight, with a visible police presence in the area as investigations take place. Additional reassurance patrols will be carried out over the coming days and nights in Glenholme and the wider community.
A forensic examination will be held today and "may continue over the coming days".
"We are methodically working through the scene," Marsh said. "The investigation team will work for as long as it takes to understand what happened and why."
Support was being provided to the family of those involved.
"We know this event will be felt widely in the community and people will want answers," Marsh said.
"This was an incredibly traumatic incident for all those involved. Our focus now is on supporting the family, our first responders and getting answers to what occurred last night."
Marsh urged people to "refrain from speculation or conjecture".
SHARE ME