During the early hours of Friday 15 July, a 6-year-old girl was taken to the Lyell McEwin Hospital by paramedics after being found unresponsive at her Munno Para home.
Sadly, the child died soon after arrival.
Northern District Police and Major Crime Investigation Branch detectives have been investigating the circumstances of the death since Friday.
Owing to the health circumstances of the deceased her death has been declared a Major Crime and Task Force Prime has been formed.
Task Force Prime will be led by Major Crime Investigation Branch detectives with local and specialist detectives being utilised as necessary.
The death is being investigated as a case of criminal neglect causing death. This is a criminal offence under the Criminal Law Consolidation Act and carries a maximum term of life imprisonment.
The task force will also investigate criminal neglect charges relating to five other children aged between of 7 and 16 years who reside at the same house. The five children (siblings) have been removed from the home and SAPOL, with partner agencies is in the process of securing their safety.
The Task Force will also conduct a simultaneous and comprehensive coronial investigation that will focus on the cause and circumstances of the child's death.
The investigation is in its infancy and further information will be provided in the coming days.
