A 66-year-old grandmother has been arrested after the distressing discovery of two dead boys in a home in central west NSW.

The primary school children — aged 6 and 7 — were found after an urgent welfare call on Monday in Coonabarabran.

Police arrived at the home on Emu Lane just after 2pm and found the two children deceased and unable to be revived.

News Corp reports that police will allege the grandmother smothered both of her grandsons to death.

She had reportedly called the Department of Communities and Justice that afternoon, and the department sent the police to the location.

“Upon arrival, police officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District located two boys – aged 6 and 7 – deceased inside the home,” said a police statement.

“The woman – aged 66 – was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for further assessment where she remains under hospital guard.

“The woman and children are known to each other.”

A crime scene has been established at the rural home in the town with a population of about 3500 people.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the deaths of two young boys were a “truly horrific tragedy”.

“Our hearts go out to the family of these boys, and to the entire community who will be devastated by what has happened today,” said Webb.

NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed sorry for the people of the town.

“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,” he said.

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

One social media post described the boys as “firecracker kids” who were involved in soccer and karate.

“They were amongst it all, 100 miles an hour…wild as march hares and cute as buttons! So devastating for all.”

Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District are investigating the circumstances of the deaths under Strike Force Darnum, assisted by detectives from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)