Margaret River tragedy: Three adults and four children found dead in WA town
Seven people are dead in an apparent mass shooting at a rural property near Margaret River in Western Australia.
Police were called to the property in Osmington about 5.15am, and found the bodies of three adults and four children.
WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson would not confirm exactly how the seven died, but they were found with gunshot wounds.
"It appears that gunshot wounds are there but I don't want to go further than that, as two firearms have been located at the scene."
He said the bodies of two adults were found outside a building on the property, and five bodies were found inside.
Specialist units from Perth, including the Homicide Squad and Forensic Crime Scene Unit, have been sent to the scene.
The commissioner would not speculate on a motive but said that, at this point, police had no concerns about wider public safety.
He could not reveal any more about the identity of the people either, as police were still trying to locate next of kin, but he said police believed all seven appeared to be residents of that property.
Mr Dawson said it was a “significant tragedy", one he could only describe as "horrific".
“This devastating tragedy will no doubt have a lasting impact on the families concerned, the communities and our staff in the south-west.”
The commissioner said the police chaplain has been called to attend the scene of the tragedy to support the emergency services on the scene.
"Look, this is a horrific tragedy for any person involved, and clearly officers and other first responders attending these sorts of scenes, it is very tragic," Mr Dawson said.
"So we have support with the police chaplain, other counsellors that will also be in attendance. We will get on with our job at, regrettably, these tragedies do take their toll on everyone."
Anyone needing support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or beyondblue on 1300 224 636. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.