Coonabarabran grandmother placed in mental health facility after two boys found dead

The grandmother of two young boys found in the New South Wales town of Coonabarabran has been transferred to a mental health facility.

The grandmother of two young boys found in the New South Wales town of Coonabarabran has been transferred to a mental health facility, as police continue to investigate the case as an alleged double murder.

The boys, aged six and seven, were found deceased inside a home on Monday afternoon, after officers conducted a welfare check at around 2pm and forced entry to the property.

Their 66-year-old maternal grandmother, who was their sole carer after the children were removed from their parents, was found at the scene with self-inflicted injuries.

She was arrested and taken into custody.

Police confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday that no weapons were involved in the children’s deaths, describing the incident as “confronting.”

Police on the scene at a home in Emu Lane, Coonabarabran where two children were found dead. Picture: NewsWire

Their 66-year-old maternal grandmother, who was their sole carer after the children were removed from their parents, was found at the scene with self-inflicted injuries. Picture: NewsWire / Dean Marzollla

‘The family is not doing well’

Officers attended the home on Emu Ln in Coonabarabran – more than 488km northwest of Sydney, in the Warrumbungle Shire council region – just after 2pm on Monday, following reports of a concern for welfare.

Two boys, aged 6 and 7, were found deceased inside the home and their grandmother, 66, was taken to hospital for further assessment.

In a further update on Tuesday afternoon, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said both boys were found in separate rooms within their grandmother’s house.

Commissioner Holland confirmed the grandmother was known to police but “not adversely” and the children’s biological parents had been contacted.

Commissioner Holland confirmed the grandmother was known to police but ‘not adversely’ and the children’s biological parents had been contacted. Picture: NewsWire / Dean Marzolla

The local community has been left reeling following the tragedy.

“The family is not doing well,” Commissioner Holland said.

“Anyone confronted with the death of one child let alone two in these sorts of circumstances would be struggling.”

Commissioner Holland also praised the actions of young police officers who responded to the scene, calling them “heroic”.

“It’s a confronting tragedy that shouldn’t have occurred; two young kids being looked after by their maternal grandmother in small country town. These things shock small country towns,” he said.

“The town needs to band together now and understand this has happened.

It is likely the grandmother will face “serious” charges, according to police.

-- with NCA Newswire

Originally published as Coonabarabran grandmother placed in mental health facility after two boys found dead