A post mortem has been completed today into the suspicious death of five year old Napier child Sahara Jayde Baker-Koro.
Inspector Kevin Kalff, Napier Police Area Commander, says police still have substantial inquiries to make into how Sahara died.
"Little Sahara's body has tonight been released to her family following the post mortem in Palmerston North today. Her mother, siblings and extended family are understandably grieving the death of a beautiful little girl."
Inspector Kalff says further investigative work into the cause of Sahara's death needs to be done.
"No one likes to know that a child has died in circumstances which we believe to be suspicious. The news that a vulnerable little child has died is always a cause for great concern, and we are treating the investigation very seriously indeed."
Police are not willing to elaborate further on the circumstances of Sahara's death as further inquiries need to be completed. The cause of her death is a matter for the coroner.
Officers have finished a scene examination of the Riverbend Road, Onekawa home where Sahara lived and died.
Inspector Kalff says police are unable to comment on the relationship between Sahara and the man arrested yesterday who has been charged with assault.
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