Head blow killed baby Sarah, say police

Nearly one month after a Putaruru baby was killed, police have released her name in a bid to try to solve her death.

Police initially treated the death of 3 1/2-month-old Sarah Rebecca Haddock-Woodcock as sudden infant death syndrome.

However, after an autopsy showed she had head and abdominal injuries they have launched a homicide inquiry.

Yesterday they confirmed baby Sarah had died from a blow to the head and had bruising on her body.

She was found dead in the Galway Crescent home she shared with her mother, 18, and father, 21, and two brothers on March 13.

Her siblings have been taken into Child Youth and Family care and although police say Sarah's family are co-operating with the inquiry they have now asked the baby's extended family to come forward to try to help solve her death.

"We believe there are still people out there who might know something about Sarah's death," said Detective Rick Rudolph.

"We are appealing to anyone who may know something about how she died or the circumstances surrounding her death.

"There may be members of Sarah's extended family that we may not have spoken to yet."

Up to 13 police officers have been working on the case, which had been a difficult inquiry because a young baby was involved, said Detective Sergeant Greg Standen.

"I think it's fair to say that the Tokoroa community and the overall community are disgusted with this death."

Anyone with information can call Tokoroa police on 07-886-5189.