The phone call that led police to tragedy where seven people died

Officers on the scene of a mass tragedy involving the deaths of four children and three adults were led to the incident by an early morning phone call.

The bodies of the deceased were found on a rural property in Osmington, about 20km northeast of Margaret River in Western Australia’s southwest.

Five of the seven victims are believed to be mother Katrina Miles and her four children, aged between 8 and 13.

The other two victims are understood to be Katrina’s parents Peter and Cynda Miles, who lived at the property.

“Police are currently responding to what I can only describe as a horrific incident,” West Australian Police Commissioner Chris Dawson told reporters on Friday morning.

Mr Dawson described the deaths as a tragedy and would not confirm if it was a murder-suicide.

“It’s not appropriate for me to speculate on any further matters,” he said.

“I can only say at this point in time we have no information to raise concern about wider public safety issues.

“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.”

Mr Dawson said a phone call was made to police by a male early on Friday morning from inside the property but did not provide further details on the identity of the caller.

“We received a phone call shortly before our attendance just after 5am this morning, that was the reason why police were called to the property,” he said.

But Mr Dawson said it is “far too early” to confirm any more details, and would “let the investigation run its course”.

Perth homicide detectives are helping local police in the investigation and are expected to remain at the property for several days.

A police chaplain is there to support officers.

“Regrettably, these tragedies do take their toll,” Mr Dawson said.

He said the small Osmington community would be reeling but was confident it would rally together.

WA Premier Mark McGowan has described the incident as “tragic and shocking”.

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims, and also with the first responders and investigators as they piece together this tragic set of circumstances,” he wrote on Twitter.

Osmington only consists of a handful of roads, farms, vineyards, holiday chalets and a small Anglican church.

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