Auckland (The NZ Today)
Police have confirmed the three people found dead at a Papatoetoe property on Thursday evening were members of the same family.
Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray confirmed the relationship on Friday, saying police were supporting the family following the loss of three relatives.
The deaths are being treated as an isolated incident, and police say there is no ongoing risk to the wider community.
Emergency services were called to a property on Cambridge Terrace at about 6.40pm on Thursday after police received a report that a person was dead at the address.
Officers found one person at the front of the property before discovering two more people dead inside the house.
Police have previously said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
A scene examination is continuing as investigators work to establish what happened and the circumstances surrounding the three deaths.
Superintendent Gray said police recognised the impact an incident of this nature could have on both the family and the surrounding community.
Residents can expect an increased police presence in Papatoetoe while enquiries continue.
Manukau Ward councillor Alf Filipaina has also encouraged anyone distressed by what they may have witnessed at the scene to seek support and talk with others.
Police have not yet released the identities of those who died or further details about the circumstances of their deaths.
Source: New Zealand Police; additional reporting by RNZ.
