The bodies of two children and their mother have been found in a burnt-out car which went up in flames at a Perth park.
The trio’s remains were discovered in a horror scene at John Graham Reserve at Coogee in the city’s south at 11xjmtzyw.45am on Monday.
Emergency services were called to extinguish the flames after reports a red hatchback was on fire.
It was later confirmed a young boy and girl had been found alongside their mother, with The West Australian reporting all three bodies were on the back seat when emergency services arrived.
Witness Lincoln Morton said he heard what sounded like gunshots at the popular family meeting spot.
“I was coming back from the beach and I heard what sounded like a couple of gunshots,” he told The West Australian.
“When I was coming back from the beach that’s when I heard the first couple. I got to my car and I heard a couple more.
“Then I saw the heat and embers from the fire on the other side of the bush.”
More than a dozen officers worked throughout the night to determine to begin to understand how the tragedy unfolded.
Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine, who led the rescue effort for Cleo Smith, is among those investigating the incident.
“I’m very shocked,” another man told 7NEWS.
“I thought this car had caught on fire, I didn’t know there was a body or someone was in there.
“I saw really burning big flames and then suddenly came a big sound and flames became bigger also.”
Western Australia Police have confirmed at least one body was found in the vehicle, with the scene now the subject of a major homicide investigation.
“About 12.10pm today police were called by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to John Graham Reserve,” a statement read.
“Detectives are currently at the scene determining the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
The scene of the incident is popular with locals for picnics and has easy access to tourist favourites Woodman Point Jetty and Coogee beach.
Many of the area’s walking trails are blocked off following the incident.
A large police truck entered the park shortly before 2.30pm on Monday.
Authorities are believed to be in the process of identifying the bodies and notifying family members.
Detectives will explore whether the tragedy was a murder suicide, if a third party was involved, or if it could have been a tragic accident.
They are expected to remain at the scene for several days.
