The five-year-old Christchurch boy who died this morning after suffering a serious head injury on Wednesday has been named.
The home of Leon Jayet-Cole who died today after being rushed to hospital with head injuries. Photo: RNZ / Rachel Graham
Leon Michael leFleming Jayet-Cole was taken to Christchurch Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, and he died from his injuries this morning.
Police said Leon arrived home from school at lunchtime on Wednesday, as had been expected, and at 1.30pm an ambulance was called to his home. He was taken to Christchurch Hospital with serious head injuries.
Police said the inquiry into how he received his injuries is now a homicide investigation, and a post-mortem was carried out this afternoon.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Anderson said they were focusing their investigation around Leon's activities throughout the day on Wednesday.
He said Leon was in the presence of his family and teachers throughout the day.
There are 14 police officers investigating the case, and they will continue there investigation throughout the weekend.
Police said they had already spoken to members of his family and staff from his school, who are said to have been cooperating with the police. They will be speaking to the remaining people who came into contact with him over the next few days.
The police and Victim Support are working with his immediate family, who are said to be extremely upset to lose a child in such tragic circumstances.
Police said the school Leon attended, Northcote School, is providing support to staff and students. The principal of Northcote School declined to comment.
At the house today there was police tape cordoning off the driveway and front gate, and a police office on guard. There was a small bouquet of garden flowers at the front gate.
A spokesperson for Child, Youth and Family said they were working with the police, and with the family to ensure the safety and well-being of the boy's siblings.
Child Youth and Family would not comment on whether they have had any previous dealings with the family.
Child Youth and Family's Regional Director Southern, Theresa Perham said they were working with the police as they investigated the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of this child.
She said they were also working with the family to ensure the safety and well-being of Leon's siblings. Ms Perham said it would be inappropriate to comment further.
