‘I urge them to come forward’

The prime minister is calling on people who know what happened to a critically injured 4-year-old boy to come forward.

Police continue to investigate a family violence incident that took place in the Hastings suburb of Flaxmere late last month. The boy, who is now at Auckland’s Starship Hospital, was found badly bruised and suffering from a severe head injury.

Police believe there is crucial information they have not been told.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said these cases were devastating.

‘‘I know we are a country that wants all our children to live free from violence – but that is going to continue to take our ongoing effort and commitment,’’ she said.

‘‘In the meantime, someone knows what happened to this child, and I urge them to come forward.’’

Detective Inspector Mike Foster described the boy’s injuries as among the most severe he has seen in his 30 years of policing.

On Thursday, Stuff learnt it was not the first time the boy, who can’t be identified for legal reasons, has been the victim of suspected abuse. He was admitted to hospital on at least one other occasion, with injuries including broken bones.

Oranga Tamariki intervened and the boy was placed into the care of wider family. He was returned to his immediate family shortly before Christmas but it was unclear why.

Ministry for Children Oranga Tamariki said it had worked with the family previously, ‘‘and the situation involves challenging circumstances’’.

Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or call Hawke’s Bay CIB on (06) 873 0524.