The deaths of three children and their father at the scene of a Manawatu house fire in New Zealand are being investigated as a suspected triple murder-suicide, Stuff understands.
Dean Field died at a property on SH1 in Sanson that was consumed by fire on Saturday afternoon, and it's understood police believe he killed his three children – August, Hugo, and Goldie, aged 7, 5, and 1 – and then took his own life.
The bodies of two of the children were removed from the scene yesterday evening and police said today that efforts were ongoing to locate the body of the third.
READ MORE: Trump hints at decision on Venezuela – is the US about to go to war?
Police declined to comment about the circumstances of the deaths when approached by Stuff today.
A New Zealand Ministry of Justice spokesperson said three deaths had been referred to the coroner, and a fourth was expected to be notified.
The investigation was in its early stages, they said, and formal identification of the deceased had yet to be completed.
Stuff previously reported that it was believed police were investigating whether the fire was deliberately lit. They've said they're not seeking anyone else in relation to it.
It's understood Field and the mother of the children, both of whom had lived at the property, were separating.
Manawatu area commander Inspector Ross Grantham family were present to bless the two children's bodies with karakia when they were removed from the scene on Sunday evening.
He said police were completing a "meticulous and "thorough" scene examination at the property.
"This tragedy has shocked not only the local community, but also many people across the country," he said.
"Our investigators remain determined to find answers to as many questions as we can."
READ MORE: Looming vote in the US marks crucial moment for Epstein files
An online fundraiser, titled "A mother's worst nightmare", set up to support the mother of the children, said they "were the light and love of her life, and her entire world has been shattered".
"In the midst of this unimaginable grief, she also lost her home and everything she owned," friends of the woman wrote.
The appeal had raised more than NZ$160,000 ($139,028) by early this afternoon local time, and the friends offered their "deepest gratitude" for the outpouring of support.
They thanked the nation for "the beautiful messages of love, thoughts and prayers, and the community spirit that you all have created for our friend".
"No amount of money will ever be enough to heal the wounds left in her heart and soul, but to have this safety net to rebuild her life, knowing what feels like the whole of Aotearoa is with her, and how you have all contributed to this outpouring of love in so many ways is more than we could've ever hoped for," they wrote.
Police 'ran towards house'
A Sanson man who Stuff has chosen not to name said he drove past the fire at about 2.45pm on Saturday. The house was well ablaze with thick, billowing smoke.
The man said he saw two police officers with "big guns" running towards the house. There were fire engines present.
The police officers were dressed in black with masks on.
'I don't think it gets much worse'
Neighbour Alan Parker spoke of the tragedy that occurred close to his house.
"I don't think it gets much worse. It's really, really bad for the people who are left behind to deal with it," he said.
Parker knew Field as a neighbour and said while they weren't quite friends, the man would help fix up his truck and other mechanical bits and pieces.
Parker did not know the mother or the children, but he had seen them playing on bikes and scooters on the property. Field would take them fishing and into the outdoors.
"Things seemed to be going well for them. They spent a heap of money renovating, he's been painting for the last six months," Parker said.
On Saturday he saw the flames and smoke and thought it was his own house that was alight. Then he realised it was theirs.
"The smoke was so bad I thought my house was on fire," he said.
He didn't know anyone was home until later. The police came to his house looking for the children.
Finding out each new detail was a "ratcheting up" of tragedy, he said.
"There's a hole that's not going to be filled very easily."
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.
This article initally appeared on Stuff and is republished here with permission.
