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Child in a critical condition in hospital

Wednesday 18 February 2009, 1:08PM

By New Zealand Police

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MARTON

A three-year-old child remains in a critical condition in hospital having suffered serious head injuries.

Police were called to a house in Ahuru Street, Marton around 12.15 yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, 17 February). The little girl was initially treated at the house before being moved to a nearby hospital. From there she was airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital and yesterday evening was further transferred by air to Wellington Hospital.

The girl lives in the Wellington area but has, for the past few weeks been staying with grandparents in Marton.

A team of about 20 officers are working from Marton, Palmerston North and Wellington to establish how the child came by her injuries. Forensic experts ESR are also assisting police with an examination of the house in Marton.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan, who is heading the investigating, is stressing however that the focus is purely and simply the welfare of the child and establishing how her injuries occurred.

He said: "The actions being carried out by us are normal process and nothing should be read into them. In fact it would be unhelpful to that process for people to speculate or jump to conclusions about how this child was injured.

"We are working closely with the family and the medical professionals and family members have been fully co-operative. It may be some days before any firm conclusions can be drawn."

Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.