11 Jul 2012

Inquiry begins into 10-year-old's death

6:32 pm on 11 July 2012

Police are investigating the death of a 10-year-old boy on the East Coast.

They say the circumstances surrounding the death are unknown, but it is believed a firearm was involved.

Police believe the boy was in the company of two friends of a similar age when he died about 4pm on Tuesday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Scott, of Tairawhiti, says the boy was found in the remote area of Waikura Valley near East Cape.

He says the police, assisted by a forensic scientist, are examining the scene and a post-mortem will be carried out.

Mr Scott says due to the remoteness of the location, cellphone communication is non-existent.