Human remains found in suitcases, bought by an unsuspecting family at an online storage unit auction, belong to two children, according to police.
The remains are believed to have been concealed for a number of years.
Police in Auckland, New Zealand, launched a homicide investigation on Friday after the discovery was reported by the family who had transported the cases home before realising what was inside.
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The family is not linked to the deaths, police confirmed.
In a media conference on Thursday, Detective Inspector Faamanuia Vaaelua said a post-mortem had determined that the children were most likely of primary school aged between 5 and 10 years old.
He said: “The bodies were concealed in two suitcases of similar size … I believe the suitcases have been in storage for a number of years,” adding that it was likely between three to four years.
He added that the occupants of the home who discovered the remains were “understandably distressed by the discovery” and had requested privacy.
Investigations to determine when, where and how the children died are ongoing.
Mr Vaaelua said he had reason to believe the children had relatives in the country who may not be aware their loved ones were deceased.
However, he could not confirm if police had spoken to the previous owner of the storage unit but said police were working with Interpol and overseas agencies.
He said: “We are looking at canvassing and collecting CCTV, but given the time period we have indicated, it will be a challenge.”
Adding: “Today’s update will be extremely upsetting for the community to hear.
“A lot of us [police officers] are parents and we have a job to do and we’re doing our very best to conclude the inquiry and identify the victims.
“No matter how long or how many years you serve and investigate horrific cases like this, it is never any easier to do.”
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