ENOCH —  Enoch City Police found three adults and five minors dead inside a home in the 4900 North block of Albert Drive Wednesday afternoon. Each appeared to have sustained gunshot wounds.

According to a news release from the city of Enoch, police had been called to the home to perform a welfare check.

The news release also included the following:

At this time, we do not believe there is a threat to the public or that there are any suspects at large. This investigation is still active and more information will be provided at a  later time.

Enoch City Manager Rob Dotson, in an email sent to media outlets just after 6 p.m., said: “There will most likely be very little information until tomorrow morning but we will send out a new release when it is appropriate.”

Speaking to reporters at the scene Wednesday evening, Dotson said “there are no words” to describe the devastating loss.

Investigators from Enoch City Police, Iron County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar City Police had a section of Albert Drive blocked off with yellow caution tape as they continued to process the scene.

The initial call reporting the incident came in at 1:45 p.m., police said.

Iron County School District sent out a statement to parents and guardians on Wednesday evening via email, text and automated message. It reads in part:

It is with deep regret that we inform you about a tragic loss to our school community. This afternoon, on Jan. 4, eight members of a family residing in Enoch with five students in our schools tragically passed away. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school district, especially our students.

The district also said that school counselors will be available for any students who may need or want help or assistance surrounding this loss. Students should report to the counseling center or their school administrative offices to access that support, the statement said.

“We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as needed,” the school district’s statement added.

According to Google Maps, “Enoch is a mostly rural and agricultural city in Iron County, Utah, and is located approximately seven miles northeast of Cedar City in the northeast part of Cedar Valley. As of 2018, the estimated population was 7,039.”

St. George News reporter Haven Scott contributed to this report.