The Rangitaiki River near Whakatane where the body of a 2-year-old was found. Photo / NZ Herald
Police have launched a homicide inquiry after the body of a 2-year-old child was found in a Bay of Plenty river.
About 6pm last night Whakatāne police were called to the Matahina Dam area, following the report of a 2-year-old missing in the Rangitaiki River.
Last night police were told
a person went into Lake Matahina with the young child.
Image / NZ Herald GraphicsA police media spokeswoman confirmed police found the adult in the area unharmed but had not found the child.
After an extensive search and rescue operation the body of the child was located in the river about 11pm.
