Bodies, badly injured child found

Two bodies have been discovered at a South Auckland property, while a child has been transported to Starship children’s hospital with critical injuries.

Officers were called to a house in Sunnyside Cres in Papatoetoe shortly after 9.50am yesterday.

The body of a woman was found inside a bedroom and the child was found critically injured in the same room. A further search of the address revealed the body of a man inside the property’s garage.

It was understood at least one of the victims had extensive stab wounds.

A source in the area said nothing appeared to be amiss about the family, though they kept to themselves.

‘‘They seemed like they were lovely people. They were not very social and kept to themselves. We are sad and it’s quite shocking.’’

Detective Inspector Colin Higson said inquiries were at an early stage, but police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.

‘‘Police are working to confirm the identities of the deceased and begin next of kin notifications, however we believe the two deceased were known to each other,’’ he said.

Neighbour Max Muaulu was one of many shocked residents in the quiet suburban street. He said the couple who lived at the house had been in the neighbourhood for probably less than six months.

They kept to themselves and the street had always felt safe.

Muaulu said his dog suddenly behaved very strangely about 1am yesterday. ‘‘He just ran straight to the front door.’’

Muaulu said he saw a car speeding off with the door open but wasn’t sure if the incident was related.

Another neighbour said a man at the house was installing a trampoline on Sunday. The man would greet his immediate neighbour and was seen mowing the lawn on Boxing Day.

The residents spoke English and had a son aged about 6 or 7, the neighbour said, and the family had spent Christmas Day at the house.

Children’s shoes were visible by the front door.

Forensic specialists were seen at the property.

A police spokesperson confirmed a homicide investigation had been launched and said cordons were in place while officers conducted a scene examination.

That included speaking with a ‘‘number of individuals in relation to this tragic event’’.