The bodies of a man and a woman were discovered inside a house in Hernes Oak, about 143 kilometres east of Melbourne’s central business district, police have confirmed.

According to Victoria Police, officers were called to a property along McGraths Track shortly after midday on Monday, where they found the bodies of 47-year-old Chami Jay and 46-year-old Aaron Hammond inside the residence.

As reported by 9News, investigators believe the pair may have died over the weekend. Neighbours told the broadcaster they heard what sounded like two gunshots between 10.30 pm and 11:00 pm on Saturday but initially assumed it was routine shooting in the rural area.

One neighbour, identified as Brenno Amato, told 9News he did not suspect anything unusual at the time and only connected the sounds to the tragedy after seeing a heavy police presence at the property on Monday.

Police have not yet clarified who alerted authorities. However, investigators say the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths are still being determined. At this stage, they are not searching for any additional suspects.

The matter is being handled by the local family violence investigation unit, a development that suggests authorities are examining the relationship between the deceased as part of the inquiry.

Friends of Ms Jay, who travelled from Melbourne to Hernes Oak after learning of her death, described her as “like family”, according to 9News.

Hernes Oak is a small rural locality in eastern Victoria, and incidents of this nature are rare in the quiet farming community. Police investigations are continuing.