GUANGZHOU, Dec. 23  -- A policeman took the lives of himself and his family in south China's Guangdong Province by setting fire to his house and himself early Monday, police said on Tuesday.

Three people, a 48-year-old policeman surnamed Chen, his wife and daughter in Leizhou City were killed, said the Public Security Bureau of Zhanjiang City.

An investigation confirmed the fire was an arson and self-immolation case, said the bureau in a statement. It said Chen had an introverted character.

Police are still investigating the case.