Waikato toddler's death subject to a homicide investigation

Waikato Police investigating last month's death of a young child have escalated their inquiries into a homicide investigation.

Hail-Sage McCLUTCHIE, 22-months, died in Waikato Hospital the morning of Sunday 27 September after being transported by ambulance from a Morrinsville the day before.

Acting Waikato Crime Services Manager, Inspector Russell Le Prou, said expert medical advice to Police indicated the young Hamilton girl, who was known as Sage, suffered injuries of a non-accidental nature.

"As a result of this expert advice, our initial inquiry work and a post-mortem examination this inquiry is now a homicide investigation."

Investigators are still waiting for the results of additional forensic examinations before they can comment on the cause of death.

Mr Le Prou said a team of 12 detectives were working to establish just what the circumstances were that led to the girl suffering her injuries?

No further information is available at this time.