Police were today speaking to family members as they investigate serious head injuries suffered by a 15-month-old Northland boy.
The boy was reported to be in a critical condition, having undergone urgent surgery after being flown to Auckland's Starship Hospital on Friday night.
He had originally been takento Bay of Island Hospital in Kawakawa for treatment.
Inspector Chris Scahill said he didn't know the exact injuries the boy received, but medical experts had advised that they were not caused by an accident.
He said a criminal investigation was started yesterday and police were speaking today the boy's natural mother and to others who were with him at Starship.
The inquiry team was also working at establishing exactly where the child received his injuries.
"We will obviously be looking at the home address," he said.
"We are still to confirm whether that's where an activity has taken place, but it's a likely inference.
"Once we're able to confirm the scene, we'll be doing a detailed scene examination."
Mr Scahill, the Far North area commander, said the inquiry was still at an early stage.
He said police would look to speak to other family members, and friends and associates of the family.
He said the fact that the boy was still alive two days after being admitted to hospital was cause for hope in terms of his survival.
"But as we all know with head injuries, it could go either way," he said.
"If he survives, what level of survival will that be? There would be concern for his ongoing level of functioning."
