PHOTO/FILE
TOM TAYLOR
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Police charged a 34-year-old Masterton man on Sunday after an assault that left a three-month-old baby with critical injuries.
The man was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday.
The baby remained in a critical condition at an Auckland hospital on Sunday night.
At about 8.30pm on Thursday, police were called to a residential property on Church St and found a baby with “non-accidental injuries”.
Wellington Free Ambulance [WFA] took the baby to Wairarapa Hospital. The baby was then flown to Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland.
A WFA spokesperson said that the baby was in a serious condition on the way to Wairarapa Hospital.
On Saturday, officer in charge of the investigation Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth said police were investigating the assault.
“This incident is traumatic for all involved,” Bysouth said.
“An investigation is under way, and police are working hard to determine the circumstances of the assault.”
On Saturday afternoon, police finished examinations of two Masterton houses and one vehicle.
Bysouth said the investigation team was also focused on supporting the baby and its family.
“The co-operation of whanau, friends, and the wider community support networks is critical to the investigation, and police wish to thank everyone who, despite the distressing circumstances, have been fully co-operative with the initial investigation.”
Police asked anyone with information that could help with enquiries to contact Masterton Police via the 105 non-emergency number, referencing file number 220617/7497.
Information could also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
