OTTAWA, Ontario - Ottawa police are currently investigating a suspected multiple homicide that took place in the southern part of the Canadian capital. The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of two adults and four children, with a seventh individual sustaining serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Local authorities have apprehended a suspect in connection with the case.

The high commission of Sri Lanka in Ottawa confirmed that the victims were a Sri Lankan national family. The father of the family survived the incident, but his wife and children unfortunately lost their lives. The high commission is in contact with relatives in the capital city of Colombo.

Official details regarding the identities and ages of the deceased, as well as the identity of the injured person, have not yet been disclosed by Canadian authorities. The police were alerted to the incident at approximately 11 p.m. on Wednesday in the Barrhaven area. Swiftly following the report, a suspect was arrested, and authorities have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs stated in local radio interviews that the authorities do not believe the incident was a result of domestic or intimate partner violence. However, investigations are ongoing to determine the relationship between the suspect and the victims. The scene has been described as "very tragic."

Neighbors in the area expressed shock and disbelief at the horrific incident. Don Perera, a neighbor who had met the family at a Halloween party last fall, confirmed that the father was originally from Sri Lanka. Another neighbor, Shanti Ramesh, witnessed the commotion and saw a man yelling on the driveway before being taken away by police officers.

As of Thursday morning, multiple marked police vehicles were present on the street and nearby driveways. The crime scene, a middle unit in a row of brick townhouses, remains cordoned off for further investigation.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressed his deep distress over the devastating event, labeling it as one of the most shocking incidents of violence in the city's history. Sutcliffe's statement was shared on X social media platform.

Authorities have announced that a media update regarding the investigation will be provided later on Thursday. The community remains in mourning as they await further information and answers surrounding this tragic multiple homicide.