A neighbour told Stuff police did not allow her to return to her own house.
The neighbour said they knew the family who lived at the property and understood they had three young children.
“[The police] were looking for the kids. They searched our property looking for them.
“They have always been great neighbours, they have been really kind to us and really lovely people, so this is a real shock,” the neighbour told Stuff.
Firefighters from the Bulls, Rongotea, Manawatū, Whanganui, Marton and Palmerston North brigades have been called to the serious incident.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand declined to comment when approached by the Herald.
More to come.
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