A woman has been charged with murder after a boy died in Te Teko, Whakatāne last month.

A homicide investigation was launched after police were called to Whakatāne Hospital at 5.30pm on November 15, where an eight-year-old boy died after an alleged assault.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson said the murder charge comes after a search was carried out in Whakatāne this morning.

The 25-year-old woman, who was initially charged with assault, has now been charged with murder, as well as assaulting a child and assault with a weapon.

“She has been remanded in custody since her last court appearance on November 20,” Wilson said.

Another woman, 61, was arrested this morning and charged with manslaughter, assaulting a child, and assault with a weapon.

The pair are due to appear in the Whakatāne District Court tomorrow.

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