In short:
Three young children were killed in a fire in Western Sydney’s Lalor Park on Sunday.
Four children and their mother survived the fire which is being investigated as a domestic violence incident.
What’s next?
Police are waiting to interview the father of the children, who was placed in an induced coma in hospital.
A man who allegedly tried to frustrate attempts to rescue three children who died in a house fire in Sydney’s west remains in a coma under police guard in hospital.
Investigations are continuing into what police have described as a domestic violence-related incident at Lalor Park early on Sunday morning.
Two boys, aged three and six, were found by emergency services crews in a critical condition but died after being taken to Westmead Hospital.
A 10-month-old girl was found also dead at the scene after the fire was extinguished.
The children have not been formally identified.
A man, who is the father of the children, was arrested and remains under police guard in hospital.
The 28-year-old was treated for burns and smoke inhalation and remains in an induced coma.
Police allege he tried to stop emergency services from rescuing the children from the burning property.
“I can confirm during police attempts to get into the property, those efforts were frustrated by a male inside,” NSW Police Acting Superintendent Jason Pietruszka said on Sunday morning.
The children’s mother and four children aged between four and 11 years old were also in the home and are expected to recover after also being hospitalised.
Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty from the homicide squad said the mother is aware of what had happened but was sedated.
“They’ve just survived a traumatic fire incident where they’ve all been impacted physically, but they’ve also been impacted emotionally and mentally,” he said.
Minns says tragedy leaves a ‘deep wound’
Neighbour Anthony Yaacoub said it was a “tough time” for the local community.
“We haven’t had something big like this in a while,” he said.
“Three innocent lives gone, young kids, it’s upsetting … hopefully the other four can get better and everyone can get through this.”
Premier Chris Minns said NSW was “reeling” from the news that was “going to leave a deep wound” on the state.
“These children deserved a loving home with safety and security and instead they’re gone,” Mr Minns said.
“I’m sure in the coming days a full and comprehensive police enquiry, and then a long but very important search for justice in the criminal justice system.”
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