Woman found dead was mother of four

A woman whose body was discovered at a house in south Auckland yesterday was a mother of four.

Police have launched a homicide inquiry after the 39-year-old's body was found inside a house in Cargill St, Papakura, at 4.30pm.

A female relative of the woman alerted police.

Detective Inspector Mark Gutry said neighbours heard a disturbance at the address in the early afternoon.

"Family had gone to that address and were concerned about her welfare when her children weren't picked up from school.

"They discovered the body in the house. In our initial assessment, there are obvious signs of violence within the property," Mr Gutry told NZPA.

"We have spoken to a number of neighbours who had reported a disturbance around 12.45pm, which included broken glass.

Mr Gutry said police were examining the home and canvassing neighbours.

"At this stage, we're keeping an open mind about what may have taken place there.

"Hopefully by this afternoon we'll have a better idea about what happened."

The woman lived in the house with her children, aged eight, 14, 16 and 19, and they also spent time with her ex-partner.

They children were all out at the time.

A post mortem examination will be carried out today.

- NZPA