Homicide detectives are investigating allegations a dispute over unpaid home renovations led to the murder of a Melbourne couple while their children slept.

The bodies of Greg Tucker and his partner Korinne were found inside a home on Darling Street at Moonee Ponds in the city’s north-west late last night.

Police say the victims sustained “serious” trauma injuries, but will not say whether a weapon was found.

The couple’s children aged 2, 3 and 5 were also in the house but were not hurt.

A 44-year-old Meadow Heights plasterer was found sitting in the driveway with minor injuries.

He was arrested before being taken to hospital and is being questioned by police.

The ABC understands he was working as a plasterer on the couple’s new two-storey house.

The ABC has been told the couple was involved in a dispute with him over a bill, and there had been several verbal exchanges in the past.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane O’Connell says the three young children are now in the care of family members.

He says it was a terrible scene.

“Whether or not the children were present, whether they’ve seen or heard anything that’s gone on, the fact that we’ve got three young children aged 5 and below, and they’re in a house where such a horrific thing has occurred, is just tragic,” he said.