Police remain at a property in Queen Street, Timaru today, after three children were found dead last night.

Police have now confirmed that the deceased were children and siblings – two aged three, and one aged seven.

Detective Inspector Scott Anderson said emergency services also located a woman at the property.

“She was transported to Timaru Hospital and is in a stable condition.”

“Those involved arrived in Timaru from South Africa in the last week.”

“The investigation into this tragedy is still in its very early stages, but we can confirm that nobody else is being sought in relation to the deaths of the three children.”

“Police are still working to notify to all next of kin, and for that reason – and to protect the privacy of those impacted by this tragedy – at this stage Police will not be releasing further details regarding the victims.”

Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Dave Gaskin said “while the family involved are recent arrivals to Timaru, we know that this incident will be incredibly distressing for Timaru residents, particularly coming so soon after the town lost five of their young people in a crash.”

“Police are working with our partner agencies to ensure that support is wrapped around those most directly affected by the tragic events of last night, and the wider community and we urge anyone who needs support to reach out.”

Canterbury Police District Commander Superintendent John Price said “a person notified us, who had got to the address, and they rang us, and we responded with other first responders.”

He said “I can’t say who at this stage as it’s all part of the investigation.”

“You cannot help but take it personally. A lot of us in the policehave our own children, and the human side of us comes through, but we have a very professional team working on this, and their job is to establish the truth, and work out who’s done what and go from there.”