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The human remains found in suitcases at an Auckland property last week were children, New Zealand police have revealed.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua said on Thursday afternoon that police were still working out the children’s exact ages, but they were believed to be between five and 10.

They were believed to have been dead for “a number of years”.

New Zealand police launched a homicide probe last week after an innocent family found the remains in suitcases bought from an abandoned Auckland storage locker in an online auction.

The goods, which included the suitcases, were transported to the family’s home in Clendon Park, in Auckland’s south-west. The human remains were discovered when the luggage was opened.

Several hearses were reportedly seen leaving the house on Thursday night, after the family called police.

Detective Inspector Vaaelua said he understood the discovery would be deeply upsetting for the community.

The police investigation was still in its early states, he said, but the children appeared to have been dead for a number of years.

The suitcases had been in the storage unit for three-four years.

NZ Police also released a statement on the development, saying they were yet to confirm the children’s identities.

“Once this is completed our priority is to contact the next of kin,” it said.

“We want to reassure the community our investigation is continuing to establish the facts to ascertain the full circumstances around the deaths of these children.

“This includes establishing when, where, and how.”

Interpol, the global policing network, has also been contacted.

Police confirmed the remains were found after the innocent family brought the suitcases back to their home.

“We reiterate that the occupants of the … property are not connected to their deaths,” the statement said.

“They are understandably distressed by the discovery, and they have asked for privacy. We are ensuring there is support in place for them.”

Earlier this week, one source told New Zealand news outlet Newshub that it was likely that more than one body had been found. A neighbour said he saw three hearses arrive at the Clendon Park property.

Stuff reported that other neighbours had noticed a “wicked smell” coming from the property on Thursday, shortly before police arrived.

Another neighbour said her son saw a suitcase being removed from a trailer at the property and taken to a forensic tent.

“I feel sorry for the family because they’ve got nothing to do with it. And whoever did do it, come on, front up. It’s a bit unfair, bro. It’s horrific, f—ing scary,” one resident, Shelton Honana, said.

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