It is understood police found the bodies after receiving a phone call from an unidentified "male person" about 5am local time on Friday. Officers found two adults dead outside a building on the property in Osmington, south of Perth and 20 kilometres north-east of the town of Margaret River. The four children and another adult were found dead inside. The bodies had bullet wounds, and police discovered two firearms at the scene. Police said the bodies of two adults were found outside near a shed that had been converted to living quarters. Credit:Channel Seven West Australian Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said the incident could only be described as horrific.

“This devastating tragedy will no doubt have a lasting impact on the families concerned, the whole community and in particular the local communities in our south-west,” he said. Police forensics investigate the death of seven people in a suspected murder-suicide in Osmington on Friday. Credit:AAP Officers from the Homicide Squad and Forensic Unit arrived from Perth on Friday. Police said they would not comment on possible motives, but were not seeking to apprehend a suspect. "We have no information to raise concern about wider public safety issues," Mr Dawson said. Peter and Cynda Miles bought the 30-acre hobby farm in late 2014.

Mrs Miles has been a stalwart in the sustainability community, volunteering with the local Transition Network and leading recycling initiatives including Cynda's Soft Salvage. Her husband, Peter, has worked as a farmer and teacher and was formerly the manager of the Margaret River High School farm. Osmington is lined by farmland and vineyards. Credit:AAP Fairfax Media understands their four grandchildren, aged between eight and 13, were schooled at the sprawling homestead, among gardens full of fruit trees and flowering natives. Members of the community said the couple were civic-minded and respected members of a "happy, wonderful" family.

"It's sending shockwaves through the whole community – we’re all linked in one way or another, every family," shire president Pamela Townshend said. Ms Townshend described Cynda Miles as "a lovely, open-hearted, generous woman; embedded and active in the community, committed to the sustainability movement and very well known". The property is owned by Cynda Miles and her husband Peter. Credit:Facebook Neighbour Rob Broun, who lived across from the crime scene, said he had heard no unusual or loud noises in the night and did not know his neighbours as he only visited on weekends. "I'd seen who I assume was the father out in a paddock one day, on a tractor, but I didn't have the opportunity to say hello," the semi-retired farmer said.

Nikki LeFebvre, a reporter for the Margaret River Mail, said the town was "absolutely reeling". "It’s passed in a bit of a blur ... a mixture of grief and loss and shock and trying to find out facts as well," she told Radio 6PR. Police said they expected to spend a long time at the property. Credit:AAP "Gossip goes quick; you need to let people know what’s going on, but also know we are dealing with a lot of grief. "There’s been a lot of talk about who has been involved ... family is still to be informed," Ms LeFebvre said.

"Families need to have talks with their kids tonight and explain what’s going on." She said the Osmington community was made up of farmers and people who had moved into the area for the rural lifestyle. Police said the incident could only be described as horrific. Credit:AAP Ms LeFebvre said the community was awash with offers of help and support, from counselling to shopping trips and school runs. "We’re hardy people and we come together pretty well," she said. "We've met with bushfires, shark attacks, so many things, and its heartening to see that when something like this happens it's all 'what can we do?' (and) how can we help?"

Neighbour Felicity Haynes told Radio 2GB gunshots had been heard, but no one realised what had happened until police began to arrive. "All the neighbours are in shock ... everyone along Osmington Road. I mean, this is a very quiet peaceful community, mostly rural blocks," she said. The scene of the shooting in Osmington. "We all know each other, all support each other – in fact, the whole Osmington community was very much united against this coal mine that was going to be erected right opposite the place where this tragedy occurred. "Despite all different political persuasions, and differences in wealth and culture we’re all united here along Osmington Road in being a supportive, caring community. So for something to happen like this is quite horrifying."

On Twitter, WA Premier Mark McGowan described the deaths as shocking. "My thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims, and also with the first responders and investigators as they piece together this tragic set of circumstances," he said. Police said they expected to spend a long time at the property. The shooting is Australia's worst since Martin Bryant killed 35 people in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur in 1996.