The death of a three-year-old girl in Palmerston North is now being treated as homicide.
Kash McKinnon was found critically injured at a house in Hulme Street on Wednesday afternoon (19 August) and died the following day.
A post mortem examination finished late last night. Today police have received the preliminary report from the pathologist and the injuries suffered by Kash McKinnon are considered non-accidental.
Any detail about the exact nature and cause of the injuries are not being disclosed other than the fact that she suffered serious head injuries.
Kash has now been released back to her family in order for them to make funeral arrangements and support for the family is continuing.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan said: "Today's findings do not really change the way in which the investigation will be driven. From the outset we have approached the situation with caution and set it up as if it were a criminal investigation. That is always the most sensible approach to take in these circumstances to ensure that all available information and evidence is captured.
"Since Wednesday I have been as open as I can be about who was at the house that day as I felt it was appropriate to do so. It is now not appropriate for me to comment about the involvement or otherwise of those people in this investigation.
"I anticipate that the gathering of information both from medical professionals and the pathologist, and the review of that information, will take some time. This is not a race, it is a confined and thorough investigation."
A team of 12 detectives are working on the enquiry. The scene examination on the Hulme Street house is likely to continue for two more days and area enquiries are ongoing. Interviews are being carried out with ambulance staff and other medical professionals who assisted in the care of Kash at the hospital. All evidential interviews with the other children at the address have now been completed with the assistance of Child Youth and Family.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.