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A boy and his father have been found dead in a unit on New South Wales' Far North Coast in what police suspect is a murder-suicide.
Police attended a unit in College Street, East Lismore, about 9.45pm following concerns for the welfare of a man and his son.
They forced entry to the unit and found the bodies of the 38-year-old man and a two-year-old boy.
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"A father and son, a more tragic event you wouldn't come across," NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said.
Local resident Marty Hill described news of the boy's death as "horrible".
"Poor kid, why do people do these things? It's unbelievable," Hill said.
The boy's father had access to him yesterday but the police were called when the boy was not returned to his mother.
"The mother raised concerns with the fact that they were due to hand over the child at 4.30pm," Thurtell said.
Police said the priority is to help the boy's mother who lives in the Lismore area.
She had previously sought police protection from her ex-partner.
"He was known to police for previous DV matters but not significant issues," Thurtell said.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Crisis support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14.
National Domestic Violence Service: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).
