SEVEN people have been found dead at a rural property in Margaret River in Western Australia this morning.
Police have confirmed the deaths of the four children and three adults, in what is the worst mass shooting in Australia since 1996 - when 35 people died and another 23 were seriously injured in the Port Arthur massacre.
At a press conference in Perth this morning WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said officers were called to the rural property in Osmington, about 20 kilometres north-east of Margaret River, at about 5.15am.
He confirmed that two adults were found outside the house and the other five bodies were discovered inside, describing the deaths as a "horrific incident" and a "tragedy".
He also confirmed that firearms were found at the property.
"The bodies of two adults were located outside [and] five bodies were located inside a building on the rural property," he said.
"It appears that gunshot wounds are there, but I don't want to go further than that."
He added: "I'm not in a position to release any further details about the identities of the deceased.
"The loss of any life is tragic, but four children and three adults - this is a significant tragedy."
Detectives from the Homicide Squad and Forensic Crime Scene Unit have travelled to the scene as part of the investigation.
There is no ongoing threat to public safety, police said
More as this story develops.
