Police have today recovered the body of the third young victim of a fatal incident in Sanson.
Late this morning, investigators, supported by a forensic pathologist, located the child and family were present as they were taken from the scene, Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham says.
The incident began about 2.30pm on Saturday, when emergency services were alerted to a house fire, on State Highway 1. Three children and a man died at the property, and the circumstances remain under investigation.
The house was severely damaged, however Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.
The bodies of two children were removed from the scene on Sunday evening, and family was also present to bless them with karakia. The body of an adult man was removed earlier that day.
Today, Inspector Grantham says investigators are continuing with their scene examination, a slow process as they work around challenges such as dust and an unsafe structure.
Police are working hard to determine what happened and why, he says.
“We need to do the right thing by these kids, and it’s important we follow proper process. We have to do it right, and that will take time.
“We can say that the young victims of this tragedy are aged 1, 5, and 7 years old, but until formal identification has been carried out, we are not in a position to name them, or the adult. At this early stage, we are still working to determine why this incident unfolded and why three innocent young children lost their lives.
“We know the community have a lot a questions about this case, as do we, but at this stage we are still working to determine the intent and circumstances around this incident,” Inspector Grantham said.
“Any case involving young children is particularly difficult and I want to acknowledge the families, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and the community for their support. I also want to acknowledge our Police people, who are doing outstanding work in what is a very emotional and difficult case.
“They are carrying out this investigation on behalf of the victims with professionalism and dignity, and we are ensuring they have the support they need after being confronted by something so horrible.”
Post mortems are expected to be carried out this week.
“There are a number of people we will be speaking to as part of this investigation, and we are limited in what details can be shared at this time,” Inspector Grantham says. “There still is a lot of work in front of us.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre