A young child under the age of four has died and an adult has been injured following a dog attack in Bay of Plenty yesterday afternoon.
Police were called around 2.50pm after two people suffered “dog bite injuries” in Katikati.
A child was taken to the Katikati Medical Centre in a critical condition, where they died of their injuries a short time later, police said.
An adult was taken to hospital with moderate injuries, where they remain.
A Tuapiro Marae spokesperson confirmed to 1News a child under the age of four had died of their injuries following an incident on Tuapiro Marae.
“We’re primarily focused on supporting the immediate family, and community members that have been affected.”
In a statement posted on Facebook today, the marae announced that it was “with great sadness that Tuapiro Marae acknowledges a recent death that took place on the Whenua of Tuapiro”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are affected by the loss at this time our priority will be to support our whānau through this hard time.
“We wish to mihi to the Katikati Medical Centre, and emergency services for your awhi tautoko.
“Pānui will be updated when details become clearer.”
Police said animal management staff “have taken the dogs involved in the incident”.
Police are making inquiries into the incident on behalf of the coroner.
