Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Investigation launched after five-year-old boy found dead in Napier water

Police have launched an investigation following the water-related death of a five-year-old boy who went missing in Napier’s Westshore area on Thursday night.

Emergency services located the boy deceased in the water at about 1.30am on Friday morning. Police say the child was last seen sometime between 6.00pm and 8.30pm on 5 February.

Detective Sergeant Ryan Kemsley of the Hawke’s Bay Crime Squad said enquiries are now underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police are appealing to anyone who was in the Westshore area on Thursday night, particularly around Charles Street, Gardiner Street, and the Ferguson Avenue Surf Life Saving Club, and who may have seen an unattended child, to come forward.



Officers are also seeking any CCTV footage from the area that may assist the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police online via 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105 and quoting reference number 260206/9567. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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