Three family members found dead in backyard pool after possible electrical error

Police say an eight-year-old girl, her 32-year-old mother, and her 62-year-old grandfather all drowned

The family, who recently moved to the neighbourhood, were reportedly discovered by authorities at 4.50pm in the pool (State News Service)

Three members of the same family were found dead in a backyard pool following a possible electrical fault.

Neighbours reportedly heard screaming around 4pm on Monday in Middlesex County, New Jersey, and called the police.

Police said an eight-year-old girl, her 32-year-old mother, and her 62-year-old grandfather all drowned in the pool.

An electrical contractor was called by authorities to the pool to investigate if a possible electrical error contributed to the three deaths, but police have not confirmed any theory.

“This is a devastating day for our entire community. It is too early to determine exactly what happened,” Police Chief Frank Losacco said in a statement. “We are working with the Middlesex County Prosecutor's office and will release information as it develops.”

The family, who recently moved to the neighbourhood, were reportedly discovered by authorities at 4.50pm in the pool.

They were declared dead in their backyard upon discovery.

Other members of the family were said to be inside at the time of the incident.

The investigation is still ongoing with the Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death in the next few months.