Waikato Police commence investigation into Morrinsville baby's death

Waikato police are investigating issues surrounding the death of a seven-month-old Morrinsville girl and a medical emergency involving her sibling.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karl Thornton said the seven-month-old girl died in March in what was initially believed to be a case of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Concerns were raised when ESR toxicology results revealed traces of adult medication in her stomach.

"Were focussing on how the seven-month-old ingested the medication."

Late last month the girl's 22-month-old sister was treated in hospital after it was suspected she had also ingested medication.

"We're trying to confirm if the older sister swallowed similar pills. At this stage we are keeping an open mind as to what might have happened.

"We are not in a position to confirm any details about either incident at the moment," Mr Thornton said.

The two girls were living with their mother and an older sibling at the time of the incidents.

As an interim measure, the 22-month-old and the older sibling have been placed in the care of Child, Youth and Family for the course of the investigation.

Police have been interviewing the children's immediate and extended family and are working closely with CYF and hospital staff.