The remains of two young children have been found inside a suitcase that was sold at an online auction. Police revealed today that the case, which had been left in a storage unit in South Auckland, New Zealand, contained the bodies of two children believed to be about primary school age.
The horror discovery was made on August 11, with the results of a post-mortem indicating that the youngsters may have died several years ago, South Auckland Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua said. Pathologists have determined that the youngsters were aged between five and ten, with authorities now trying to find out when, where and how they died.
Vaaelua added that police feel positive about the investigation into the storage unit, with "good progress" being made with DNA inquiries. He also suggested that the children have already been identified when he confirmed the victims' families are in New Zealand, the Mirror reports.
Vaaelua said Interpol has also been contacted regarding the case. It was found in the back of a trailer where prams, toys and other "kids stuff" were strewn about, according to a neighbour.
The current residents of the home are not thought to be involved, police said. They brought "unowned property to their address" after buying the contents of a storage locker as part of an online auction.
The family left Auckland after the horrific discovery while sorting through the trailer-load of items in their driveway. A man at their home earlier this week said he was minding his relatives' property and that they are "doing alright" after the morbid find.
He said: "We're doing all right. As long as everyone leaves us alone we'll be all right. They've gone away. I wasn't here."
Police set up a cordon around the house while forensic workers examine the scene earlier this week, but have now left the home secured by a large metal gate.
The detective - who branded it a "horrific case" - said the discovery has been hard on murder cops, especially those with kids of their own.
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