A 3-month-old baby girl from Masterton remains in critical condition at Auckland’s Starship Hospital, a week after being hospitalised with injuries police believe were not accidental.
The baby was first taken to Wairarapa Hospital on the evening of July 24, before being transferred to Wellington Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, and later moved to Auckland for specialist care.
Police were alerted around 2.50pm on July 25 and have since launched an investigation into how the infant sustained her injuries.
“We are working closely with Oranga Tamariki and Te Whatu Ora,” Detective Inspector Haley Ryan said on Friday. “From the inquiries to date, we believe that the injuries the baby suffered weren’t an accident, but we are still at the early stages of the investigation.”
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Police say they are engaging with the baby’s whānau as part of the inquiry.
“Someone knows what happened, and we’re doing everything we can to get answers for a victim who has no way of speaking up for themselves,” Ryan said.
Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Nick Thom added: “It’s an emotional inquiry and we know the impact it will have on whānau and our community. While the investigative work is ongoing, we’re also focusing on providing reassurance and being visible.”
Police have urged anyone with information to come forward. Information can be given online, via 105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.