Critical baby moved to Starship after assault

A 10-week-old baby who is in a critical condition after being attacked at the weekend is being moved to Starship Hospital in Auckland for specialist care.

The decision had been made to move the baby because advanced care was available at the Auckland Hospital, Capital and Coast District Health Board spokesman Michael Tull said.

The baby, who was taken by ambulance to hospital early on Sunday suffering bruising and a head injury, was still in a critical condition .

A 28-year-old relative of the baby is due to appear in Lower Hutt District Court on Thursday charged with assault in connection with the baby's injuries.

Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Cooper said the charges would likely be upgraded if the child died.

Police have refused to say whether the accused is the baby's father.

- NZPA