A woman and two young children have been found dead in a village near Bolton.
Police are investigating after they were found on Monday afternoon in a house in Little Lever.
They had visited the address on Arthur Street after concerns had been raised for the welfare of the woman.
The woman is believed to be the mother of the two children.
Greater Manchester Police said the discovery was made shortly before 3:50pm.
A police statement said: "Officers attended and the bodies of a woman and two young children were found.
"Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the deaths are ongoing."
The victims were named locally as Tiffany Stevens and her daughters Caisie, aged three, and one-year-old Darcie.
Neighbour Annmarie Crossland, 36, said she was first alerted when relatives were heard "screaming and shouting" in the alleyway at the back of the house.
She described Ms Stevens as a "brilliant mum" and said her own four children played with Ms Stevens' daughters.
Ms Crossland added: "They were gorgeous little kids. Great, really nice.
"She would take them to the park and into Bolton. They were very friendly."
Neighbours did not know if the house was rented or not but said the family moved in around two years ago.
Cllr Sean Hornby, who represents the ward of Little Lever and Darcy Lever, told the Bolton News the incident was "devastating."
He added: "I have spoken to residents in the area they are obviously shocked and very upset.
"I am saddened by the news, my thoughts are with close relatives of the family.
"We will await the findings of the police.
"There is speculation as to what has happened, but the police investigation will confirm what has happened with regard to this tragedy."
