Dunedin Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man and two children were found dead at a residential address in the suburb of St Leonards late last evening.
Police received an emergency call at 9.55pm after neighbours to the address heard shouting and gunshots.
The Armed Offenders Squad was deployed and while clearing the address discovered the bodies of a 51-year-old Milton man and of two children, a 9-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl.
The three appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds and a shot gun was located at the scene.
The children lived at the address with their 49-year-old mother. The mother was at the address at the time the incident occurred.
The exact relationship between her and the 51-year-old man is yet to be determined.
Around 15 police and ESR staff are working on the investigation. A forensic examination of the scene is underway.
Police hope to release the names of the victims this afternoon.
Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.
ENDS
Released by Inspector Greg Sparrow, Dunedin Clutha Waitaki Area Commander