Police officer chokes back tears in court as he recalls horrific Lin murder scene

One of the first police officers on the scene of the Lin murders has fought back tears in court as he recalled the traumatic day.

Robert Xie is on trial in the NSW Supreme Court for the murder of his brother-in-law Min Lin, Lin’s wife Lily, sister-in-law Irene, and young sons Henry and Terry.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Lachlan Kirby and Robert Levins were the first officers to see the horror inside the North Epping home that morning of July 18, 2009.

Guns drawn, they nudged open the door of the main bedroom and immediately saw mother Lily’s body on the bed.

In the second bedroom, sister-in-law Irene’s body was in a sitting position, and on the floor of the third bedroom were the bodies Henry and Terry.

Mr Kirby told the court the injuries were so extensive he believed a shotgun had been used at close range.

Mr Xie’s attorney Graham Turnbull asked Mr Kirby: "(Is it) fair to say you're affected to this day about what you saw in that house? Including two dead children?"

Mr Kirby replied "yes" before pausing to choke back tears.

The court heard Mr Lin’s body was hidden under a doona and wasn’t discovered for another four hours.

Until its discovery, police believed he was probably the killer, on the run and armed.

Mr Kerby told the court when Mr Lin’s car pulled up outside with Robert Xie at the wheel, he drew his gun.

He said he yelled at the driver to keep his hands on the steering wheel where he could see them, and pulled him out of the car.