Wellington police have launched a homicide investigation after the deaths of twin 3-month-old girls in a northern suburb.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam, head of Porirua CIB, said the circumstances in which the premature babies died were unexplained.
"A homicide investigation is being carried out to find out when and how the wee girls died," he said.
Police were alerted by ambulance staff to the deaths at the Titahi Bay address about 10.30am today. The babies had been found dead by their parents.
Detective Senior Sergeant Oxnam described the deaths as "a very sad case".
"The parents and other family members are very distressed by what has happened. They are cooperating fully with us and I thank them for this," he said.
"The death of any child is tragic, but to lose two young ones at the same time, is very hard to deal with."
A post mortem is likely to be held later today.
Detective Senior Sergeant Oxnam stressed the babies were loved and well cared for. Their names will not be released until all family are advised.
-NZHERALD
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