Warning: This story contains details and content some readers may find distressing.

The bodies of two boys, aged six and seven, were discovered at a property outside the town of Coonabarabran, about 500km north-west of Sydney, about 2pm yesterday.

A 66-year-old woman, confirmed to be the boys’ grandmother, was taken to Dubbo Hospital after being found at the home.

Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland, Western Region Commander, said the woman had attempted self-harm and has since been transferred to a mental health facility in Orange.

He said she will be handed back to police custody upon her release and it is “likely” she will face serious charges.

Holland said the woman was the sole carer of her grandsons after moving to Coonabarabran from NSW’s Central Coast 11 months ago.

He said two officers were faced with a grim discovery upon entering the home yesterday.

“It was a very confronting situation for the young police officers involved,” Holland said

“They were confronted with the body of a six-year-old, with his body in the front bedroom.”

Holland said the older boy was found dead in another bedroom.

He said one of the officers is back at work today, however the second is “not doing well” after attending the horrible scene.

The biological parents and other set of grandparents have been informed and formal identification is still under way, Holland said.

“The family is not doing well,” he added.

“Anyone confronted with the death of one child let alone two in these sorts of circumstances would be struggling.”

Holland could not confirm the identity or cause of death of the two young boys.

A postmortem is scheduled for Thursday.

He could not confirm the charges the 66-year-old woman is expected to face but said the incident is being treated as a double murder.

“It’s a confronting tragedy that shouldn’t have occurred,” Holland added.

An investigation remains ongoing and forensic examination of the home is still under way.

Police are still taking statements from witnesses and speaking to locals around Coonabarabran.

While the local community comes to terms with the tragedy, a family member has issued a statement paying tribute to the boys.

“Two little firecracker kids. They were amongst it all. 100 miles an hour, involved in soccer, karate, wild as March hares and cute as buttons,” it said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns yesterday described the incident as a “tragedy”.

“What has occurred is terrible and as a state we share in the community of Coonabarabran’s grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them,” Minns said in a statement.

“I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak their loved ones are currently feeling, including their family, friends, and teachers.

“I thank the local officers who attended the scene for their professionalism and bravery in the face of such a horrible event.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.