The bodies of a woman and a young boy have been found in a pond in Gungahlin in Canberra’s north.
ACT police are investigating after the bodies were found in Yerrabi pond early on Saturday.
Hall O’Meagher, detective superintendent in charge of ACT policing criminal investigations, said grave concerns were held for another child and a search was under way.
“We have grave concerns for a third person, another young child who we are currently searching for,” he said.
“We have a land search under way and also a search in the pond itself to try to locate that third person.
“Obviously a tragic situation, it’s still very early days and it’s unfolding.”
He said ACT police received a call on Saturday morning from a member of the public who had seen a person in the pond. Police attended and found the bodies of the woman and child.
O’Meagher said the investigation was ongoing and the manner and cause of the deaths was not yet known.
“We’re making inquiries with the family of these deceased people and they’re assisting us with our inquiries at this point in time,” he 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 counselling had been made available for police and emergency services personnel.
O’Meagher said anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.