Police investigating suspicious death after 2-year-old girl found dead on tidal flats in Bay of Plenty

Photo / Andrew Warner

A 2-year-old girl has been found dead on tidal flat in the small Bay of Plenty town of Little Waihi.

Police are investigating the death, which they have labelled suspicious.

The girl's body was found yesterday at Little Waihi, Maketu.

"Western Bay of Plenty Police attended reports of disorder in the area at around 10.40am on Thursday morning, and later discovered the body," police said in a statement.

"Police are continuing with a scene examination, and are speaking with family and potential witnesses.

"Police do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the community."

A family friend, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Herald a man was speaking to police as part of their investigation.

A Little Waihi resident, who also didn't wish to be named, said his wife had arrived home yesterday morning to find a heavy police presence in the coastal town.

She saw a distressed female police officer before being told to go inside her home and stay there until police had the situation under control.

"There's been cars coming and going at all different times and the house has been shut up during the day with all curtains closed," he said.

Anyone who may have information which can assist Police, including anyone who was in Little Waihi since Monday 18 March who has not already spoken with the Police, is urged to make contact with Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.