ACT police are investigating the death of a woman and a young boy whose bodies were found in a lake in Gungahlin in Canberra's north on Saturday morning.
At about 8am police found the two deceased people in Yerrabi Pond after a member of the public reported seeing a person in the water.
Police say they have grave concerns for a third person – another young boy – who is missing.
AFP Maritime and SES are searching the scene for the boy, 8-year-old Pranav Vivekanandan, both in the water and around the lake.
Police and family have issued a plea for information in the event that he is alive and someone knows his whereabouts.
Pranav is described as being of Indian appearance, about 110cm tall, with short dark hair, and dark brown eyes.
He may have been wearing an orange T-shirt and light-coloured shorts, and a jacket.
Detective Superintendent Hall O'Meagher said little was known about the circumstances of the deaths.
"We haven't confirmed identity or cause of death at this point in time, so those details will become apparent as the investigation unfolds," he said.
"[We're] asking for any member of the public that has any information in relation to the circumstances of this matter to come forward and call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000."
A crime scene has been established, and ACT Policing homicide detectives have commenced an investigation.
The family of the deceased has been contacted, and is helping police.
"We're making enquiries with the family of these deceased people and they are assisting us with our enquires at this point in time," Superintendent O'Meagher said.
"Our thoughts go out to them, and also to the responding police who've had to deal with this tragic circumstance here this morning."
He said the scene was particularly distressing, and first responders would be offered support.
"It is a distressing situation for the first responders – the police, SES and all the services that we rely upon to give us the assistance we need in these circumstances – but rest assured we have welfare support to provide to those officers today and in the days coming."
A report on the deaths will be prepared for the coroner.
