Assault accused remanded in custody after 5-year-old's death

Police outside the house where the girl's body was found. Photo / NZPA

A 24-year-old man has been remanded in custody after he appeared in court to face charges in connection with the overnight death of a five-year-old girl in Napier.

The man was arrested and charged with common assault this morning after the girl was found dead in a Riverbend Road house.

He was granted interim name suppression and remanded to reappear in Napier District Court on January 12.

His lawyer Philip Jensen said more serious charges were likely and did not argue against police opposition to bail.

Meanwhile, a crime scene examination was to be carried out today by police and forensic staff from Wellington. A post-mortem is expected to be held tomorrow to establish the cause of death.

- NZPA