A community is mourning “two precious souls” as police piece together what happened inside a Blue Mountains house where two brothers were found dead on Tuesday.

The deceased have been identified as Russell and Ben Smith, aged 9 and 11, according to multiple media outlets.

Their bodies were discovered by their father, Nick Smith, who had access to the Faulconbridge home but did not live there, about 12.40pm on Tuesday.

The boys’ mother, Trish Smith, has been arrested and spent Tuesday night under police guard in hospital after suffering “numerous injuries”.

Police sources told the ABC the boys had been stabbed and the woman had self-inflicted stab wounds in a suspected case of family violence.

The Australian reports that police are exploring the possibility that the mother suffered a psychotic episode. Local commander Superintendent John Nelson said Smith was known to police “but only for minor matters”.

The boys were at school on Monday, with no concerns raised.

Police are waiting to question Trish Smith over the deaths of her sons. Photo: Supplied

Police have declined to speculate on what happened before the brothers died, but they are not looking for anyone else.

“This is about as tragic as it gets for any police veteran, any emergency services turning up there,” Nelson said.

“The father is helping us with inquiries and he was the one who contacted police … all avenues are open for investigation,” he said.

Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill said the loss of “two precious souls in the most awful circumstances” would affect the entire community.

“Now is a time to come together and remember these two beautiful children and their extended family whose grief must be as unimaginable,” he said on social media.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb was at the local station to provide support to officers, noting many had children the same age as the boys.

Clinicians and support officers were on hand for police, while the boys’ father was also receiving support.

“The older and more experienced you get in this job, things like this still cut to the core,” she said.

“It’s a tragic situation and certainly … more will be known as the investigation unfolds.”

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-with AAP