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Four-month-old in hospital with 16 fractures

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Fri, 16 Mar 2018, 6:48AM
Police are appealing for information. (Photo / File)

Four-month-old in hospital with 16 fractures

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Fri, 16 Mar 2018, 6:48AM

It's thought somebody must know what's gone on after a four-month-old baby was admitted to hospital with 16 fractures to her skull, ribs, arms and legs.

Police have revealed that the child was injured over a period of time, not the result of one incident, and are appealing for anyone with information to speak up.

The Howick infant was admitted to Middlemore Hospital on February 18 with injuries police believe are consistent with physical abuse.

READ MORE: 'Someone must know what's happened to this baby'

"The fractures have been described by medical experts as being of varying ages and classically associated with non-accidental injury," Detective Senior Sergeant Eddie Sutherland told the Herald.

"Thankfully, the child is going to make a full recovery, however police are extremely concerned by these injuries."

Police are investigating the case, but say that family members have closed ranks and are not talking.

Family lawyer Sharon Chandra told Kate Hawkesby the baby girl has very serious injuries that occurred over a long period of time.

"There have to be neighbours, friends, family, anybody who's involved in this child's life who knows what's going on."

Chandra says it's quite an issue that nobody seems to know what's gone on or is speaking up about what's happened.

Dame Lesley Max told Mike Hosking child abuse is our most predominant concern as a country and it can't all be ascribed to poverty.

She says it is very sad that the family has closed ranks. She says someone will know what happened to the baby; there'll be someone who's seen bruises, or has heard crying.

"There is a 0800 number, where people who don't want to leave their names can leave information."

Can you help?

If you have information about how this baby girl was injured - on any occasion - please contact the police.

Information can be passed on to the Counties Manukau Child Protection Team on 09 213 8571, or anonymously through the Crimestoppers reporting line on 0800 555 111.

Members of the public can also send police a private message on Facebook by clicking here.

If you're worried about a child you are urged to contact Oranga Tamariki immediately on 0508 326 459; or email [email protected].

If the child or young person is in immediate danger, call police on 111.

- additional reporting, NZ Herald

LISTEN TO SHARON CHANDRA TALK WITH KATE HAWKESBY ABOVE

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