The bodies of two children hidden in suitcases have been discovered by a New Zealand family in a batch of abandoned goods they bought at a storage unit auction.

The children, between five and ten years old, have been dead for a number of years and the bodies had been in storage for at least three or four years, detectives say.

In a difficult investigation, police are trying to establish the identities of the children as part of an enquiry that could have international links.

The family, from Auckland, had purchased the personal and household items in an online auction and hauled them home last week.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua emphasised they had nothing to do with the deaths and had been understandably distressed by their discovery.

He said the investigation was in its early stages but would be rigorous.

“The investigation team is working very hard to hold accountable the person or persons responsible for the deaths of these children,” he said.

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“No matter how many years you serve and investigate horrific cases like this, it’s never an easy task.

“I myself am a parent of young kids. But we have a job to do.”

He also said police had contacted Interpol and overseas policing agencies – a possible indication officers might believe the suspect or suspects are now living abroad.

“The nature of this discovery provide some complexities of the investigation especially given the time lapse between the time of death and their discovery,” he added.

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