Outcry after category of ex-rugby player die in fire
The deaths of three children and their mother in a car fire in the Australian city of Brisbane have sparked outrage, amid reports these were killed by the daddy, ex-rugby player Rowan Baxter.
Mr Baxter's wife Hannah and their three children were killed by the blaze on Wednesday. He also died at the scene.
Some Australian media say he doused the white SUV in petrol and set it alight before stabbing himself.
But police say it really is too early to be certain the way the fire started.
"How the fire actually occurred has not been ascertained at the moment so for all of us to call it a murder-suicide or a tragic accident, it's inappropriate at this time," Detective Inspector Mark Thompson said.
He went on to say that while he previously seen "some horrific scenes" in his job, this is among the worst.
What do we know?
Police were first called to the scene in the Camp Hill area in the east of Brisbane at 08:30 local time on Wednesday (21:30 GMT on Tuesday).
They found the couple's three children Laianah, Aaliyah and Trey - aged between six and three - dead within the car.
Emergency crews tried to regenerate Rowan Baxter, 42, but he was declared dead.
Australian media report that he was found near to the car with a self-inflicted stab wound.
His wife, Hannah Baxter, aged 31, died later in hospital from intensive burns. She had reportedly jumped from the automobile yelling: "He's poured petrol on me."
Rowan Baxter have been in the front passenger seat and his wife had been driving the automobile, police said.
The pair had reportedly separated late this past year, and were trying to work through custody arrangements.
Paramedics said that they had also treated a passerby, who had "tried his better to get to the car". He previously suffered some "facial burning" and in addition been taken up to hospital, a Queensland Ambulance spokesman said.
Rowan Baxter formerly played for the brand new Zealand Warriors rugby league team in Auckland and had been owning a gym called Integr8 along with his wife in Capalaba to the east of Brisbane.
The gym's website describes her as "a keen, passionate mother of three" and a trampolining champion who represented Queensland for four consecutive years and in addition achieved international medals.
What gets the reaction been?
Unconfirmed reports that Mr Baxter killed his family have already been met with widespread condemnation online. The hashtag #HannahBaxter has been trending on Twitter in Australia.
Former Olympic cyclist Tracy Gaudry said: "#HannahBaxter and her three small children died today in the most despicable way. They must have been safe. Mourning for lives lost, thoughts with family, friends and community."
"Another week, another man annihilates his wife and family. Australia, we need to talk," said Australian poet Rob Scott.
The deaths come amid anger over several recent high profile murders and a debate over domestic violence in Australia.
Normally, one woman weekly is murdered in Australia by a current or former male partner, according to Australia's Bureau of Statistics.
Many people criticised media outlets for failing woefully to name Mr Baxter as a murderer.
"Rowan Baxter set fire to his own wife and kids - nevertheless, you wouldn't know that from a whole lot of media headlines," said columnist Arwa Mahdawi on Twitter.
However, police say they are still investigating what happened. Officers have already been searching the Baxter house in Camp Hill.
Queensland's Police Minister Mark Ryan told parliament about the "horrific incident" in Brisbane on Wednesday, saying: "My thoughts are with all those afflicted by this terrible tragedy."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his "heart goes out to the families and community going right through this tragic time and the emergency responders confronting what will be a shattering scene".
Federal MP Terri Butler said she was "horrified and devastated" by the incident.
