A homicide investigation has been launched in Rotorua after a woman was found dead and two others were critically injured in “linked incidents”.

Emergency services were called to a Western Heights address about 5am on Monday following a report that two people were being seriously assaulted.

Police said they were transported to hospital in a critical condition.

Police were later called to an Utuhina address about 2.35pm to conduct a welfare check on a woman. Upon arrival, police located the woman deceased.