OPP investigates after family of four found dead in Harrow, Ontario

Essex Provincial Police are investigating the deaths of a mother, father and two young children in their family home near Harrow, Ontario, calling it an “unimaginable tragedy.”

On Thursday around 1:30 p.m. ET, officers were called to a residence on County Road 13.

OPP spokesman Derek Rogers said at a news conference Friday afternoon that it was too early in the investigation to determine what happened and that no arrests had been made.

A pink and white flower on a post next to a card with "deepest sympathy" handwritten and a police car in the background — Flowers are tied to a pole near the home in rural Harrow, Ontario, where four family members were found dead. The Essex OPP are investigating. (Dalson Chen/CBC)

Rogers said investigators quickly determined there was no danger to the community and called it an “unimaginable tragedy.”

The cause of death has not yet been determined and the identities of the four family members have not been confirmed by police.

However, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy said a mother, father and two children were dead.

Harrow, a city in southwestern Ontario near Lake Erie, is about a 45-minute drive south of Windsor.

The incident had a “huge impact” on the town because it is a small, close-knit community where everyone knows everyone, Bondy said.

Police on a driveway — OPP at the scene of an investigation into a sudden death at a home on County Road 13 on Thursday. (Dalson Chen/CBC)

She said the mother was very involved in her community, working locally, coaching soccer and working at the local youth center.

“We are such a small community and everything is connected. Almost every area of the city is affected.”

“There are no words of relief. There is nothing I can say to make things better.”

WATCH: Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy on the loss of her community

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy on the great sadness in the community

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy speaks of the community’s grief after four people from one family were found dead. She says support services are available for those who need help.

On Friday, someone had tied flowers to a power pole near the Harrows’ house and flags were flying at half-mast on local council buildings.

Bondy said Harrow Health Centre offers free counselling to community members suffering from grief and distress.

The autopsies will be carried out in London.

Police said residents should expect a heavy police presence in the coming days.

Harrow is a small town in southwestern Ontario near Lake Erie. It is about a 45-minute drive south of Windsor.