Opotiki newborn rushed to hospital with head injuries

The TECT helicopter flew the baby to Tauranga Hospital. Photo / Supplied

An Opotiki baby has been flown to hospital with serious head injuries after a fall.

The Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter flew the injured 3-week-old and its mother from Opotiki to Tauranga Hospital.

The pilot said the mother was understood to have fallen asleep and the baby fell from her arms.

St John paramedics stabilised the baby before the rescue helicopter arrived.

A police spokeswoman said police were aware of the incident and they had made some enquiries.

"It appears it was just a freak accident. There won't be a formal investigation," she said.