Two children killed in Rotorua on Monday evening were aged 3, and 11 months, police say.
A homicide probe was launched after the deaths of a woman and two children in Rotorua on Monday evening.
Emergency services found the two young children dead at a property in Glenholme around 10.30pm. The woman was found with critical injuries and could not be saved.
A man appeared in Rotorua District Court yesterday charged with assault on a person in a family relationship. He was remanded in custody and was due to reappear in court on October 2.
Police were not seeking anyone else over the incident.
Their investigations at the High St property are continuing, with police confirming the ages of the youngest victims late this morning.
"Police are continuing to support the family following this traumatic incident," police said.
"Police and other specialist staff remain at the scene on High Street, as a forensic examination remains ongoing.
"Our team are working tirelessly and meticulously through a complex scene, so we can provide answers for those impacted.
"An investigation of this nature will take some time and we thank the community for their patience.
"Staff will continue to conduct additional reassurance patrols in the Glenholme area and wider community over the coming days."
'Three pops'
High St resident Lynn Doak described hearing "three pops" on Monday evening.
“What I heard was two people arguing, a man and a woman, and a lady screamed,” she told the Rotorua Daily Post.
“There was more argy-bargy and then there were three pops. I said to my husband, ‘Those bloody kids and their crackers again’, because they come up the street and throw crackers up your drive."
She said she felt incredibly sad over the deaths.
“I just said to my husband, I feel like it’s my kids, you know. Hell, it’s terrible."
'Horrific tragedy'
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell yesterday said the incident was heart-breaking.
A man at the address is assisting police with their enquiries. (Source: 1News)
"As the investigation continues, our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those impacted," she said.
"This has been deeply distressing for the neighbourhood involved.
"We acknowledge our emergency services and front line staff who have responded to this horrific tragedy.
"Police are continuing to investigate what has happened to provide answers, and we will continue to support them to keep our community safe."
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