Updated ,first published
A man has been arrested after his partner and two children were killed in an alleged domestic violence attack regarded as one of the most brutal encountered by senior police.
The man, 48, was taken into custody at the family’s Campbelltown home just before 8pm on Monday after calling Triple Zero to report an incident to police. His partner, aged in her mid-40s, and the children, both aged under 10, were found in various rooms suffering lacerations and other significant injuries.
“It was a particularly violent crime scene,” Acting Superintendent Michael Moroney said on Monday night.
Detectives had located several items inside the home “which would be of interest in regard to the injuries sustained”, Moroney said. No firearms were found inside the home.
The man was not known to police and did not have a criminal history, Moroney said. He was expected to be formally interviewed on Monday night and was cooperating with investigators. The family was not known to police and had no prior engagement with the Department of Communities and Justice.
“I can reassure the public that domestic violence is a number one priority for NSW Police, and we will continue to prioritise [arresting alleged] DV offenders,” Moroney said.
Police cordoned off a section of Raymond Avenue surrounding the home as investigators canvassed the crime scene and interviewed neighbours. No one else was believed to be inside the home at the time of the alleged attack.
The deaths come days after 865 people were charged during a statewide blitz under the latest iteration of Operation Amarok, which targets domestic and family violence. Officers laid more than 2000 charges over four days.
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Daniel Lo Surdo is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald. He previously helmed the national news live blog for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via email.
