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Cause of Sydney family's death yet to be confirmed

Police are waiting for the toxicology reports as they continue investigations into the suspected murder-suicide of a family of four in Sydney's northern beaches.

Maria Lutz with children Elisa (left) and Martin (right) (Facebook)

Maria Lutz with children Elisa (left) and Martin (right) Source: Facebook

A prayer service will held for a family of four who died in a possible murder-suicide in Sydney's north, while police are awaiting toxicology reports.

The bodies of 44-year-old father Fernando Manrique, 43-year-old mother Maria Lutz, their 11-year-old daughter Elisa and 10-year-old son Martin were discovered in their Davidson home on Monday after police forced entry to the house.

The family dog was also found dead inside the property by officers responding to concerns for the family's welfare.

Davidson Tragedy: 'She knew the names of every child in the school. Just an exceptional woman' - Warren Hopley. https://t.co/d6pjNfcM8R — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) October 17, 2016

The home in the quiet suburb remains a crime scene.

There were reportedly no signs of violence or any visible injuries on the bodies of the four who had moved to Sydney from Columbia about a decade ago.

The bodies were found in separate locations inside the home, and it's unknown how long they were there before police arrived just after 11am on Monday, Network Seven reports.

Elisa and Martin both suffered intellectual disabilities and were students at St Lucy's in Wahroonga, a school for children with high complex needs.

Concerns were raised when Ms Lutz, who volunteers in the school's canteen, failed to show up and could not be reached.

Acting principal Warren Hopley said the school was devastated by the news and described Ms Lutz as "an exceptional woman".

The school has offered counselling for the teachers and students, and will hold a service for the children in the coming days.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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2 min read

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Source: AAP



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