Eastern Waikato Police are currently working to establish the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a toddler at a Te Aroha address this morning.
Matamata-Piako Sub-Area Manager, Senior Sergeant Rod Carpinter, said emergency services were called to an address in the east of the town shortly after 7am.
"At this point in time our inquiries are in the formative stages and all I can confirm is that we are investigating the unfortunate death of an 18-month-old boy after what appears to have been a free standing stove falling on top of him.
"We are currently speaking to people at the scene and receiving the support of family and friends who were at the property at the time the incident occurred."
Mr Carpinter said given the scene examination was due to commence shortly and a post-mortem examination would need to be carried out, it is unlikely further information will be available today.
"As things progress we hope to be in a position tomorrow to offer an update on what has occurred."
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