The RCMP in Manitoba are investigating the murders of five people, including three children.

The Mounties were called out around 7:30 Sunday morning to a report of a hit and run just south of Carmen.

The body of a female was discovered in a ditch and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Around 10:00 that morning, Headingly RCMP were contacted about a vehicle fire.

A witness was able to pull three children out of the burning vehicle, but they too were pronounced dead.

A 29 year old man was taken into custody at the scene of vehicle fire.

Investigation led officers to a home in Carmen, where the body of another woman was discovered.

The RCMP say all five were known to each other.