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Four confirmed dead in Ashburton

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Thu, 2 Jul 2015, 4:35PM
Police at the scene in Ashburton
Police at the scene in Ashburton

Four confirmed dead in Ashburton

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Thu, 2 Jul 2015, 4:35PM

Updated 8.44pm: Police have confirmed that the bodies of a woman and three children have been found in a house in Ashburton.

The bodies were discovered at a private home on Thomson Street south of the Central Business District.

The surrounding streets have been put into lock down.

Police Mid-South Canterbury area commander Inspector Dave Gaskin said the owner of the house had returned from being away to find those who had been staying there dead inside.

A hazardous materials truck has been stationed outside, and Inspector Gaskin said they are clearing any danger before starting a full scene examination.

"At the moment we have four deaths - four unexplained deaths - in the house, so we are treating it as suspicious, but we haven't got anything to indicate the foul play has been involved," he said. 

The bodies of a woman and three children will stay at the house until a pathologist and police complete a full examination in the morning.

A scene guard is in place at the house. 

Ashburton Guardian reporter Daisy Hudson, who was at the scene, said there was a lot of confusion among neighbours.

"Most of them don't know anything. They are all pretty afraid and unsure about what is going on. Quite a few were unable to get into their homes. There's a lot of uncertainty."

NZME reports Police have cordoned off part of Thomson St, between Wilkins St and Manchester St.

It is understood the Fire Service were called to reports of a cardiac arrest but met by police who said there were multiple dead.

A neighbour said firefighters wearing breathing apparatus had entered a house.

St John confirms it is in attendance, but has no further comment at this stage.

Police have a team of 30 staff working to piece together what happened, with officers from Timaru, Ashburton and Chirstchurch reportedly at the scene.

Residents have been asked to stay inside while investigations continue.

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