Mother in custody after three-year-old boy dies

The mother of a dead three-year-old infant has been remanded in custody after the child died in hospital earlier today.

The mother, 31, from the south Auckland of Otara, appeared in Manukau District Court today charged with assault.

The boy was taken to Auckland's Starship children's hospital last night with serious injuries and died today.

She entered no plea and further charges would be laid later, said police.

The woman received interim name suppression which means the baby's name cannot be published.

She will appear again in a fortnight.

A 26-year-old man was also arrested on an assault charge and was due to appear in court late today.

Police said a post mortem examination was being done on the body to determine the cause of death.

- NZPA