Death of 2 yr old child, Kaitaia

At approximately 04:30 a.m. on Saturday the 8th August 2009 a young child 2 years of age was presented at the Kaitaia Hospital, Emergency Department with serious injuries.

She was transported to Starship hospital in Auckland and died at approximately 11:00 a.m. that same morning.

The child and her family live locally at an address in the Kaitaia area.

Police have mounted an investigation into how the child has sustained these injuries and what was the cause of her death.

A Post Mortem will be held which will establish the exact extent of the injuries suffered and may shed some light on how the injuries where sustained.

Details of the deceased are being withheld at this stage while Police ensure the wider family have been advised of this tragedy.

At this stage the investigation involves Police staff both in Kaitaia and in Auckland.

There are approximately 30 Police staff working on the inquiry at this point in time.

A further press release will be available at approximately 1:00 p.m. today.