CYF explains involvement with dead boy

Child Youth and Family have confirmed they had previous contact with a seven-year-old boy who died in Nelson this week.

His death is being treated by police as a "suspected homicide".

The boy's 37-year-old stepfather appeared in Nelson District Court this week charged with assault and police said he was likely to face more serious charges.

CYF deputy chief executive Ray Smith said the department was not involved with the family at the time of the boy's death.

"Whilst there had been two previous notifications, neither in any way indicated that the boy's safety was at risk. Other agencies had been involved in supporting the family."

He said once the police investigation and court proceedings were over "we are more than willing to provide further detail".

"At this stage however we don't want to say anything that might compromise the ability of the police to establish the facts and pursue justice for this young boy's death."

The family had moved from South Auckland to the Nelson suburb of Stoke late last year.

Emergency services were called to the Stoke house on Wednesday by the boy's mother who asked for an ambulance.

A police car was the first to reach the house.

Two officers tried to resuscitate the boy but he died.

The boy's stepfather was arrested and on Thursday charged with assault. He was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody until July 15.

- NZPA