Arrest for toddler's murder

A 21-year-old man was yesterday charged with the murder of a 16-month-old Northland boy who died last week.

He will appear in the Kaikohe District Court today charged with murdering Riley Justin Osborne of Kerikeri.

Riley died in the Starship hospital in Auckland on Tuesday of head injuries, four days after being flown from Northland.

Police had earlier described his injuries as "non-accidental" and "horrific".

The arrested man, a beneficiary, will also face a number of drug-related charges.

Police thanked members of the public and the boy's extended family who helped the investigation team.

- NZPA