Te Aroha Toddler Stabbing

Operation Kennedy Release 3

07 May 2008

The investigation into the stabbing of a two-year-old Te Aroha boy at his home on Monday is continuing today.

The head of Operation Kennedy, Detective Sergeant Rod Carpinter, of Matamata-Piako CIB said though an arrest had yet to be made Police had spoken a member of the boy's family in relation to the incident.

"The child suffered a single stab wound to the lower abdomen which though not life threatening, given the age and size of the boy, is considered quite serious.

"A knife was recovered in the house, it was a black handled boning type knife, 28cm in length with a 15cm blade," he said.

With local enquiries expected to conclude this afternoon it is not envisaged Police will be seeking any further public assistance in the matter.

Mr Carpinter said the investigation team was working closely with other Government agencies in relation to the incident and post hospital care.

"As part of established protocols in such cases Child Youth and Family were notified of Monday's incident and a thorough examination of the boy was carried out by medical staff, the results of which were unremarkable."

Media wishing to speak to Mr Carpinter are asked to contact him via the Morrinsville Police Station from 3pm onwards.

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