A woman has been placed in custody over the death of two young boys in regional New South Wales.
Just after 2pm on Monday, police attended a home in Coonabarabran in the state’s north-west following the reports about concerns for the children’s welfare.
On entering the house, they found two boys – aged six and seven – who were both dead.
A 66-year-old woman, who police said was known to the children, was arrested at the property.
The woman was taken to Coonabarabran police station and then to hospital for further assessment, where she remained on Monday evening under guard.
Police said there was no ongoing threat to the community and they were not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, thanked the local officers who attended the scene for their “professionalism and bravery in the face of such a horrible event”.
“What has occurred is terrible and as a state we share in the community of Coonabarabran’s grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them,” he said.
“I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak their loved ones are currently feeling, including their family, friends and teachers.”
Police inquiries were ongoing and a crime scene has been established.
Officers from the Orana Mid-Western police district were being assisted by detectives from the state crime command’s homicide squad.
• This article was amended on 5 May 2025. Based on incorrect initial information supplied by NSW police, an earlier version gave the ages of the children as eight and 10.
