Police in New Zealand have confirmed that two abandoned luggage that were purchased at an auction contained the remains of two young children.
The children were between the ages of five and ten when they passed away, and it was likely many years before their bodies were discovered, according to Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua, who spoke to media on Thursday.
On August 11, when a family in Manurewa, South Auckland, bought the suitcases from an online auction organized to sell abandoned items left at a storage facility, police started a homicide inquiry.
After bringing the luggage home, the family unpacked them and found the remains inside. The family is not involved in the fatalities, according to the police.
The family's neighbor, who was present as the auction items were unloaded from a trailer, reportedly told the New Zealand Herald that in addition to the two suitcases, there were also toys, prams, and a walker.
Police were collaborating with Interpol and foreign authorities, according to DI Faamanuia, who was unable to disclose whether they had spoken to the prior owner of the storage unit.
According to investigators, the family that made the startling discovery requested anonymity.
"Everything is OK here. We'll be fine as long as everyone stays away from us, a family member who spoke to the New Zealand Herald stated. According to reports, the family who discovered the children's corpses has now left Auckland.
According to the New Zealand Herald, the family's neighbor, who was present when the auction items were unloaded from a trailer, said that in addition to the two suitcases, there were also toys, prams, and a walker.
According to DI Faamanuia, who was unable to say whether they had spoken to the previous owner of the storage container, police were working with Interpol and international authorities.
Investigators claim that the family who discovered the shocking discovery asked to remain anonymous.
The family who found the children's corpses has reportedly departed Auckland. "Everything is OK here. We'll be fine as long as everyone keeps away from us," a family member who spoke to the New Zealand Herald said.
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