Police confirm sudden death of 8-month-old baby at Wellington housing complex

Residents have reported seeing a 'distressed mother' with a baby in her arms at the Newtown flats where police are investigating the death of an infant.

Police say a person who died at a Wellington housing complex on Tuesday was an eight-month-old baby.

Emergency services were called to Newtown Park Apartments, which are owned by Wellington City Council, just before midday on Tuesday.

A scene examination in Newtown will take place on Wednesday, after which there will be a blessing.

"The investigation continues to progress with the co-operation of the family, and police would like to assure the community there are no wider concerns for safety."

A post-mortem examination will be carried out.

Distressing event for residents

Community coordinator and resident Wesley Gyles-Bedford said a member of the food bank team was in the neighbouring apartment when the events unfolded yesterday.

"[They] live directly across from the flat that's had the death.

"They just said that it was not a nice scene, a distressed mother, obviously, with baby in hand."

He said there has been a consistent police presence at the Mansfield Street apartments since yesterday, with a scene guard in place overnight, and described the complex as 'eerie'.

"It's just surreal. Trying to continue with community activities, trying to keep the community somewhat supported through all this, it's not easy.

"It's been eerie."

Resident Jade Claire Phillips described the feeling in the community as "sad, because we heard someone died".

"It's been pretty full on, there's been lots of people coming and going."

In general it was a good community to live in with lots of families, she said, and she was not concerned for her safety.

Phillips said while police had not spoken to her, officers had talked to one of her neighbours.

Agencies working with police

A representative of the complex's landlord, Te Toi Mahana, was at the scene, but declined to comment.

Both Oranga Tamariki and Wellington City Council referred RNZ inquiries to police on Tuesday but said it would provide police with CCTV footage if requested.

In a statement, Te Toi Mahana said: "Our thoughts are with the whānau and community during this very difficult time. Along with the Wellington City Council we are assisting the authorities with their enquiries."

Police said further updates would be provided when they were available.