Tragic drowning of two young sisters in Long Island Pond

Two young sisters apparently drowned in a pond near their apartment complex on Long Island, authorities said.

A family member called police Saturday afternoon to report that the girls, ages 2 and 4, were missing. Officers and residents searched the girls' Holtsville apartment complex and found them unconscious in a nearby pond shortly before 3:30 p.m., police said.

Life-saving measures were taken and the girls were taken to a hospital where they were pronounced dead, officials said.

The Suffolk County Homicide Unit is investigating the deaths. Authorities did not release further details.

Holtsville is located about 80 kilometers east of Manhattan.

(With contributions from agencies.)