Police have begun a homicide investigation following the deaths of two young children in the New Zealand town of Ruakaka.
Northland police attended a property on Peter Snell Drive on Monday morning, finding two bodies without specifying their age.
Local media have reported the two deceased are aged one and four, while a local school has acknowledged the 'sad loss of two children' on social media.
Various emergency services were in attendance including police, who confirmed officers had attended a 'sudden death incident'.
'Our investigation is still in the early stages and we are currently speaking with a person as part of our inquiries,' Detective inspector Bridget Doell said.
Northland police attended a property on Peter Snell Drive on Monday morning, finding two bodies without specifying their age (pictured is police at the scene)
'There will be an increased police presence in the area, and we will provide further updates as our investigation progresses.'
Detective Inspector Bridget Doell said nobody else was being sought in connection to the incident.
Police were seen speaking with neighbours on the quiet residential street.
Local news outlet Stuff reports the house was managed by Kainga Ora, New Zealand's social housing provider.
Kainga Ora regional director Jeff Murray said police had described the deaths as a 'sudden death incident at one of our properties'.
Whangarei Mayor Vince Cocurullo described the incident as 'tragic and shocking'.
'The family and community will be reeling and will need support,' Mr Cocurullo told the Northern Advocate on Monday.
Local media have reported the two deceased are aged one and four, while the local school has also posted on Facebook of the 'sad loss of two children' (pictured is Peter Snell Drive)
The principal of One Tree Point School sent her love to the Ruakaka community and said support was available to students.
'We are aware of the sad loss of two children in Ruakākā this morning,' principal Shirley Winters wrote on Facebook.
'Our sincere aroha and thoughts are with the whānau and everyone concerned. We have support systems in place for any of our tamariki who need it.'
Bream Bay College principal Wayne Buckland said staff had been reassured that students were safe to attend school and that support was available to them.
'We have informed our board of trustees. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide support as and when needed,' Mr Buckland told Stuff.
Ruakaka, a small beachside community, is located about 135km north of Auckland on New Zealand's North Island.
