Man charged after toddler dies

Police have charged an 18-year-old man with murder after an investigation into the death of a toddler from head injuries in March.

The officer in charge Detective Senior Sergeant John Tims said the Counties Manukau Child Abuse team had been investigating the death of 25-month-old Arwen Fletcher, of Waiuku, 64km south of Auckland city, since March 15.

The toddler was admitted to Starship Hospital with a skull fracture and an associated head injury and died two days later on March 17, as a result of the injuries, he said.

A Waiuku man was arrested and charged today with the toddler's murder.

The man is due to appear in Manukau District Court tomorrow.

The toddler's death is the latest in a series of high-profile cases involving babies who have suffered serious injuries.

Police last week arrested the father of slain baby twins Chris and Cru Kahui and charged him with murder after a lengthy police investigation.

The three-month-old twins died 12 hours apart on June 18.

A Christchurch toddler is still battling for her life in Auckland's Starship Hospital as police investigate how she received serious head injuries.

The 17-month-old baby girl was initially treated at Christchurch Hospital last Wednesday night before being rushed by air ambulance to Starship on Thursday where she underwent surgery.

An inquiry into how the toddler received her injuries is continuing.

- NZPA