Police investigation after unexplained death of infant in Hutt Valley

Police are investigating after a baby died in unexplained circumstances in Lower Hutt.

A scene guard was in place yesterday at the Kainga Ora home on Poole St.

The infant was taken to hospital on Sunday afternoon, but died a short time later. The child was unresponsive when they were taken to hospital.

An investigation team is working to establish the circumstances that led to the child’s death.

Police were seen conducting investigations at a home on Poole St in Taitā, Lower Hutt on Monday and a scene guard was stationed outside the residence.

Vicki McLaren, the Kainga Ora regional director for Greater Wellington said their thoughts are with the whānau of the deceased child.

“Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities was very sad to learn this morning of what police are describing as an unexplained death at one of our properties in Lower Hutt.

Our thoughts are with the whānau of the deceased.

Due to the ongoing police investigation, we are unable to comment further.”

- This story has been updated after police issued a correction to their original release

Vita Molyneux is a Wellington-based journalist who covers breaking news and stories from the capital. She has been a journalist since 2018 and joined the Herald in 2021.