A 14-strong police team and two ESR forensic staff are continuing investigations into the suspicious death of a five year old girl in Napier overnight.
Inspector Kevin Kalff, Napier Area Commander, said a scene examination of the Riverbend Road, Onekawa, house where the child was found in bed her by family is likely to continue until tomorrow.
Police have not released the name of the child as family notifications are still being worked through.
Inspector Kalff said a post mortem is planned for tomorrow in Palmerston North.
A 24 year old man who lives at the Riverbend Road house has been charged with assault under the Crimes Act. He appeared in the Napier District Court and was remanded without plea in custody to appear again on 12 January. His name has been suppressed at request of defence counsel at least until his next appearance.
Kevin Kalff
Inspector
Area Commander: Napier
Telephone: 06 8310700