Twin girls have died in a house fire at Batlow in the NSW Snowy Mountains region.
Firefighters had to break down locked doors to rescue three-year-old sisters, Aisha and Lailani.
Paramedics desperately tried to save the children from the blaze on Monday morning, but they died at the scene.
Their mother Tanyka Ford and six-year-old sister were in the backyard when the property went up in flames.
Neighbour Carol Flannery said she was devastated by the news.
"They were born early and poor parents had to be in hospital with them in Canberra and now this," she said.
"I was just shocked, beautiful little girls — my heart goes out to the parents and grandparents."
The children's grandmother, Michelle Ford, posted a tribute on her Facebook page tonight.
"RIP Nannys little angels miss you so much," it said.
Local police have established a crime scene and will be assisted by the State Crime Command's Financial Crimes Squad's Arson Unit.
Superintendent Bob Noble said police were speaking to the family and neighbours as part of the investigation.
"There are a number of witnesses we are speaking to and we are canvassing the streets and surrounds," he said.
"It's a terribly tragic event for two young girls who lost their lives in awful circumstances."
The cause of the blaze remains unclear and detectives are yet to determine whether it's suspicious.
"We are keeping an open mind as to the cause of the fire," he said.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
