Seven people, including four children, have been killed in what is believed to be Australia’s worst mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
Police were met with horrific scenes after they were called to a property in Osmington in Western Australia’s Margaret River region at around 5am on Friday.
There are reports the deaths are related to a murder-suicide, but this has not been confirmed.
WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson described the incident as a ‘significant tragedy’.
Police were met with horrific scenes after they were called to a property in Osmington in Western Australia’s Margaret River region at around 5am on Friday
‘Based on what we do know, this is clearly a tragedy… Police located seven persons deceased. Four children and three adults,’ he said.
‘The bodies of two adults were located outside, five bodies were located inside a building on the rural property.’
Commissioner Dawson said two firearms were located at the scene and police were attempting to locate family members of the deceased.
He confirmed that at least some of the victims suffered gunshot wounds.
Commissioner Dawson said two firearms were located at the scene on the outskirts of Margaret River
There are reports the deaths are related to a shooting murder-suicide, but this has not been confirmed. Police are pictured at the scene
‘This devastating tragedy will no doubt have a lasting impact on the families concerned, the whole community and, in particular, the local communities in our south-west,’ he said.
‘The loss of any life is tragic, but four children and three adults, this is a significant tragedy,’ he said.
A neighbour told the ABC he had spoken to a man who lived at the property just hours before the bodies were found.
‘I was talking to him on the phone last night, I was going to ask him to come over tomorrow. He seemed very vague,’ he said.
Commissioner Dawson said two firearms were located at the scene and police were attempting to local family and friends of the deceased
An ambulance spokesman told Daily Mail Australia paramedics were not called the scene.
Commissioner Dawson, who said there was no danger to the public, did not specify the ages of any of the victims.
Perth homicide detectives are helping local police in the investigation.
More to come.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.