Horror as husband returns home to find his wife, two children under 12, and family pets all dead in house

A HUSBAND has been left horrified after he came home and found his wife, young children, and their pets all dead.

The parent, who has not been named, arrived home from work just before midnight on November 16, to find his wife and two children, both under 12 years old, dead in Spokane, Washington.

The dad, who also found his family pets dead according to NBC affiliate KHQ TV, called 911 after making the tragic discovery.

Police said they are investigating the matter as a potential murder-suicide, with the mother as the suspected killer.

Spokane's Major Crimes Unit (MCU) has taken over the investigation.

The identity of the mother and her children will be released at a later date by the Spokane Medical Examiner's Office.

The delay is in order for authorities to have time to notify the family's loved ones before the family's identity is made public.

The method of death has also not yet been released by police.

"No outstanding suspects are currently being sought," the Spokane Police Department said in a statement.

A statement from cops added they "cannot stress enough" that the investigation is in its initial stages but that it appeared to be a "murder-suicide event."

The family's street has been blocked off by police in order to further protect the family's identity and allow them time to investigate.

Corporal Nick Briggs told KHQ that Woodside Avenue "is going to be closed for quite some time."

The two children found dead were former Balboa Elementary School students that were currently being homeschooled.

In a statement, the school's principle said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of two former Balboa students.

"They were being currently homeschooled. We can’t share specifics about the incident right now, but many of our students, families and staff are deeply impacted by this loss."

The school said it will have a team on hand to meet the emotional needs of staff and students.

Its principle added: "Students, families and staff are encouraged to process through their emotions and think of ways to support themselves and each other.

"We will continue our established routines to provide as much stability as possible for students."