Canterbury Police are able to confirm that the five year old boy who was in a critical condition with serious head injuries died this morning (29 May 2015).
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Anderson says “The investigation into how the child sustained the injuries is now a homicide investigation. A post-mortem is scheduled to be carried out later today.”
Canterbury Police and Victim Support are working with his immediate family who are extremely upset to lose their child in such tragic circumstances
“Canterbury Police will continue to speak to those who came into contact with the child on Wednesday (27 May 2015) and the scene examination of the Papanui address will continue over the weekend. The investigation aims to determine the circumstances and events which led to the child being seriously injured” explained Detective Senior Sergeant Anderson.
Canterbury Police are not in a position to release the name of the child at this point of time.
Due to the early stage and nature of the investigation Police will not be undertaking media interviews at this stage.
Note: media enquiries should be referred to Canterbury Police District Communications Manager.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404