Police are investigating after a three-month-old Masterton girl was taken to hospital last week with critical injuries, now believed to be “non-accidental”.
On Thursday, July 24, the baby girl was taken to Wairarapa Hospital, before being transferred to Wellington Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. She has since been transferred to Auckland’s Starship Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition.
Police were called the following day around 2.50pm.
An investigation has since been launched to establish how the baby has sustained her injuries, Detective Inspector Haley Ryan said.
“We are working closely with Oranga Tamariki and Te Whatu Ora. From the enquiries 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,” Ryan said.
“We’re speaking with whānau to help progress our enquiries but these cases are complex and take time.”
Ryan called for anyone with information to come forward.
“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.”
Wairarapa area commander Inspector Nick Thom said police and other agencies were also supporting the whānau, and friends of the family.
“It’s an emotional inquiry and we know the impact it will have on whānau and our community.”
Thom said police were focused on “providing reassurance and being visible”.
“We know people will be wanting to know how they can help.
“The best thing you can do is talk to us if you have any information that could help, even if it might seem insignificant at the time.
“Silence helps no one.”
Anyone with information was asked to contact police online or via 105.
