The three children who died in the Manawatū house fire have been identified on a Givealittle page raising funds for their mother.

The page, created by one of the woman’s close friends, named the children as August, Hugo and Goldie.

Just after 10am on Monday it was sitting at a total of just over $140,000, having well exceeded the goal of $100,000.

Police confirmed on Sunday night they had recovered the bodies of two of the children and their father, who Stuff understands is Dean Field.

They said work would resume to locate the body of the third child on Monday morning and a scene guard was in place overnight.

According to a neighbour, the children who died – two boys and a girl – were aged 1, 5 and 7.

Questions remain over fatal Manawatū house fire

Emergency services were called to the fire at the Sanson property about 2.30pm on Saturday.

It’s believed police are investigating if the blaze was deliberately lit, and have said they’re not looking for anyone in connection with it.

Stuff understands Field and the children’s mother were separating.

On the Givealittle page, titled “A mother’s worst nightmare”, a woman said one of her “dear friends has suffered the sudden and unbearable loss of her three beloved children”.

“They were the light and love of her life, and her entire world has been shattered.

“In the midst of this unimaginable grief, she also lost her home and everything she owned. She is facing the hardest journey possible, stripped of her physical security while navigating the deepest emotional pain.”

The woman said she’d set up the Givealittle page to “create a safety net” for the children’s mother.

“Our goal is to provide her with the space and security needed to grieve in solitude, without the additional financial stress.

“We cannot mend her broke heart, but we can wrap her in community support. Please join us in offering this gift of peace and practical help during this darkest time.”

An aerial image of the scene of the fire. Photo: Adele Rycroft

Manawatū area commander Inspector Ross Grantham said the bodies of two children were recovered from the scene on Sunday evening and “family was present during this time to bless them with karakia”.

Work is ongoing to locate the body of a third child, while the body of an adult has already been removed,” Grantham said.

“The family of the deceased are devastated at the loss of their loved ones.

“They are thankful and very grateful for the support and concern they are receiving from the community.”

Investigators would focus on recovering the third child on Monday and “completing a meticulous and thorough scene examination”, Grantham said.

“This tragedy has shocked not only the local community, but also many people across the country.

“Our investigators remain determined to find answers to as many questions as we can.”

SOURCE: https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360887920/mothers-worst-nightmare-three-children-killed-sanson-fire-identified