• Three children and their father die in tragic Manawatu house fire
• Suspicion falls on the father

Authorities in New Zealand are investigating the deaths of three children and their father in a house fire in the Manawatu area, with suspicions that the father was involved in the incident before losing his own life, according to local media.

Dean Field died in the house on the SH1 highway in Sanson after the fire broke out, and police believe he killed his three children – August, Hugo, and Goldie, aged 7, 5, and 1.

The New Zealand Ministry of Justice said the investigation is still in its early stages.

It was previously believed that police were examining whether the fire was deliberately set, but they clarified that no one else is being sought in connection with the case.

It is understood that Field and the children’s mother, who both lived in the house, were in the process of separating.

Family members, along with Manawatu area police commander Inspector Ross Grantham, attended a ceremony to bless the two children’s bodies as they were removed from the scene.

Grantham said the police are conducting a meticulous and thorough examination of the site.

He added, “This tragedy has shocked the local community and many people across the country, and our investigators are determined to find answers to as many questions as possible.”

An online fundraiser titled “A Mother’s Worst Nightmare” was set up to support the children’s mother, describing the children as “the light and love of her life, and her entire world has been shattered.”