Details of schoolboy's accident to be released

Police outside Taradale Primary School after a 9-year-old-boy was taken to hospital with breathing difficulties. Photo / Paul Taylor

Details of an incident which left a 9-year-old boy fighting for his life are expected to be released later today, police say.

Police have confirmed the incident was "an accident", but would not confirm details of the incident until an investigation into what happened was completed.

Emergency services rushed to Taradale Primary School in Napier yesterday afternoon after a boy was found unconscious and having difficulty breathing.

He was rushed to Hawke's Bay Hospital, and was later flown to Auckland's Starship Hospital in an induced coma.

He remained in a critical condition at the children's hospital this morning, a Starship spokeswoman said.

In a statement released today, police said they had "established the incident which resulted in the boy's injuries was an accident".

"Police are unable to confirm details of the incident until their investigation is finished later today."

However, outside the school gate yesterday, it was believed the boy had jumped out of a window while playing. His shirt got caught in the window, leaving him hanging.

Taradale Primary School principal Marty Hantz was not immediately available for comment today. However, in a message to parents on the school website, he said the staff's "thoughts are with the family" of the 9-year-old.

Dated yesterday, the message said a letter had been sent home with pupils following the incident outlining "an incident at the school where one of our pupils was found unconscious in the school grounds".

"We are not sure yet how the boy became injured and we will be conducting a full investigation into what happened," it said.

"Our teaching staff are on the alert for any children who may have become upset about the incident.

"Our main priority is our pupils and we will be making sure they are supported in every way possible if needed."

Mr Hantz said he wanted to "assure all parents that the school will be working closely with the police and the Ministry of Education and will assist in any investigations".

Such incidents could be "disruptive and upsetting" for other pupils, he said, adding that specialist help would be available at the school to any child who was upset by the incident.