Sudden death of baby in Newtown, Wellington: Police focused on ‘lead-up’ to tragedy

Police are working to figure out what happened in the lead-up to the death of an 8-month-old baby in a Wellington apartment.

Earlier this week police confirmed a baby was the subject of a sudden death investigation in the suburb of Newtown.

Multiple police were at the Newtown Park Apartments on Mansfield St after the sudden death was reported.

Police today said they have concluded the post-mortem and scene examination phases of the investigation.

“Police acknowledge this is a very distressing time for the baby’s mother and the wider family, and we continue to support and work with them,” they said in a statement.

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish what happened in the lead-up to the baby’s death, and the family are fully cooperating with police.”

Police attended a sudden death at the Newtown Park Apartments in Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Herald understands the block of apartments is owned by the Wellington City Council.

A spokesperson for the council said; “This is a police matter, and we, along with the landlord Te Toi Mahana, will assist them with their inquiries regarding this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the whānau during this difficult time.”

A Te Toi Mahana Community Housing spokesperson confirmed they were assisting authorities with their inquiries.

A Wellington Free Ambulance spokesperson referred all questions to police as the lead agency for the incident.

One police vehicle was parked outside the apartments when the Herald visited the scene on Tuesday afternoon.

Two uniformed officers could be seen leaving the scene as two detectives arrived and entered the apartment block.

Several police officers were at the Newtown Park Apartments on Mansfield St after the sudden death was reported. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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