The bodies of three people, believed to be members of a family, have been found dead in a house in Alkmaar.

Police said they were investigating various scenarios after confirming that a man, a woman and a young child were found dead in Stikkelwaard, a street in the Huiswaard neighbourhood, on Wednesday morning.

Neighbours told the Telegraaf that the child was a boy of around three years old.

“They seemed very normal,” one man said. “I always said hello, and they said hello back.”

Another neighbour said: “You hear all kinds of stories, but we’re not going to speculate. It’s bad enough as it is.”

Several police cars arrived at the house after a cleaner reportedly raised the alarm at around 11am. A fire engine was also called out and the area around the house was cordoned off.

Police confirmed they were investigating the deaths but gave no further information.