Bodies of two children found at house on Peter Snell Drive in Ruakākā, New Zealand

Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of two young children in the New Zealand town of Ruakaka.

Northland police visited a property on Peter Snell Drive Monday morning and found two bodies without specifying their ages.

Local media have reported that the two deceased are under the age of five, while the local school also posted on Facebook about the “sad loss of two children.”

Several emergency services attended, including the police, who confirmed that officers had attended a ‘sudden death incident’.

“Our investigation is still in its early stages and we are currently speaking to an individual as part of our investigation,” Detective Bridget Doell said.

“There will be an increased police presence in the area and we will provide further updates as our investigation progresses.”

Local news outlet Stuff reports that the home was managed by Kainga Ora, New Zealand’s social housing company.

Jeff Murray, regional director of Kainga Ora, said police had described the deaths as a “sudden death incident at one of our properties.”

Whangarei Mayor Vince Cocurullo described the incident as “tragic and shocking.”

“The family and community will be reeling and will need support,” he told the Northern Advocate on Monday.

The principal of One Tree Point School has sent her love to the community.

“We are aware of the sad loss of two children in Ruakākā this morning,” Shirley Winters wrote on Facebook.

“Our sincere aroha and thoughts are with the whānau and all concerned. We have support systems for all our tamariki that need it.’

Ruakaka, a small beachside town, is located about 135 km north of Auckland in New Zealand’s North Island.