Third person charged over toddler's injuries

A third person has been arrested in Whakatane after a toddler was admitted to hospital with severe head injuries on Wednesday night.

The 2-1/2-year-old boy was taken to Whakatane Hospital about 8.30pm Wednesday, Detective Sergeant Ross Everest said.

He remained in the intensive care unit today and his long-term prognosis was unknown.

Mr Everest said today a second local man, 23, had been arrested and charged with cruelty to a child. He is due to appear in Whakatane District Court today.

Yesterday a 19-year-old Whakatane man appeared in court charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He would face further charges, Mr Everest said today.

A 23-year-old Whakatane woman had been released on bail and would be charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life at a later date.

Mr Everest said the Whakatane paediatrician was consulting with Auckland's Starship Children's Hospital, but it was not yet clear whether the boy would need to be transferred to Auckland for further specialist treatment.

- NZPA