Hong Kong police have launched an investigation after a man and a woman were found dead in a flat at a Sau Mau Ping public housing estate on Wednesday afternoon.

Police received a report at about 4.10pm from a man who suspected his brother had taken his own life inside a flat at Tat Yan House, Po Tat Estate.

Firefighters forced entry into the flat and found a man, believed to be in his seventies, and a woman unconscious inside. Paramedics later certified both dead at the scene.

Police said one of the deceased was found hanging, while the other was found lying on the floor.

The caller told police he had received a distressing message from the man before losing contact.

Police are investigating whether foul play was involved.