Moore said the family was not known to police and had no reported history of domestic violence.
“This is probably completely unexpected,” Moore said.
“This is the first time police have responded to this house for any type of domestic situation.”
Moore said the mother’s behaviour was “erratic” in the lead-up to the attack.
“It’s tragic,” she said.
“It’s certainly not something that my staff or I want to wake up to on a Monday morning. We take our responsibility to domestic violence in the Hills very, very seriously, and the first question I had this morning was ‘have we dealt with this family before?’ What have we done? And as sad as it is, we haven’t dealt with this family before, and I only wish that we had [have].
“Maybe we could have reached out and helped this family sooner had we known there were problems in the household.”
A neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, echoed Moore’s comments, describing the children and their parents as a “quiet” family.
“The father was standing there, he was quite calm. I saw him run back inside to grab a bag and then came out and jumped in the ambulance with his family. He’s the one I see the most,” they said.
Moore said she was grateful the children were expected to make a full physical recovery, but “time will tell” how they recover psychologically.
A framed print bearing the words “This is my happy place” could be seen hanging in the home’s hallway as forensics officers combed the property.
Just before 11.30am, detectives removed the child’s wheelchair and other evidence from the home.
Another neighbour said he was in “absolute shock”.
“They’re generally really nice people. They come over for Christmas and give us chocolates, and we give them treats for their three kids,” he said, adding that the family generally kept to themselves.
“I can’t believe this has happened. I just hope they’re all OK.”
The Hills Shire Council Mayor Michelle Byrne said the incident was “devastating” for the community.
“They’re already reeling,” she said. “As a mum and a mayor, my heart breaks for those children.”
With Jessica McSweeney.
If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114, beyondblue on 1800 512 348, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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