Auckland (The NZ Today):
Police have launched a homicide investigation after a woman and two young children were found dead at a Glenholme property in Rotorua overnight.
Emergency services were called to a house on High Street shortly before 10.30pm, where officers found a woman with life-threatening injuries and two young children already deceased.
Despite efforts by police and ambulance crews, the woman could not be saved and died at the scene.
Bay of Plenty Acting District Commander Inspector Logan Marsh said all three deaths were being treated as homicides while investigators worked to establish exactly what happened.
A man was also found at the address and is assisting police with enquiries. Police said they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident at this stage.
Inspector Marsh described the scene as “incredibly traumatic” and said the immediate priority was supporting the victims’ family, first responders and the wider investigation team.
Police remained at the property overnight, with a scene guard in place and a detailed forensic examination beginning on Tuesday.
Marsh said the examination could continue for several days as detectives methodically work through the property and gather evidence.
He said investigators would take as much time as necessary to understand the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“This may take several days – the investigation team will work for as long as it takes to understand what happened and why,” Marsh said.
Police are also providing support to officers and ambulance staff who attended what Marsh described as an extremely confronting scene.
Additional reassurance patrols will be carried out in Glenholme and surrounding parts of Rotorua over the coming days and nights as police acknowledge the incident is likely to leave the community shaken.
Marsh urged people not to speculate about what may have happened while the investigation remains in its early stages.
“Our focus remains on establishing exactly what occurred and providing answers for those affected,” he said.
Police have not yet released the identities or ages of the victims. Further information will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Source: New Zealand Police
