Waikato Police are urging the public to stop spreading unfounded rumours following the deaths of two children in separate incidents in Cambridge last weekend—a 14-year-old girl in a house fire and 10-year-old Jimmy Schick in an ATV crash that also seriously injured three others.
Police say investigations are ongoing on behalf of the Coroner and that circulating false theories is hurtful to grieving families.
Sergeant Greg Foster praised the emergency responders for their professionalism and care.
The Schick family has launched a fundraiser to support the emergency services that assisted during the tragedy.
What are the rumors? Rural communities are normally more informed than NZ police who are generally understaffed and take their time investigating in a rural setting especially in a dynamic and changing situation.
NZ Police need to stop characterizing local communities sharing information to keep their kids safe as vigilante justice.
What are the rumours? Probably true (whatever they’re about).
That’s usually the only reason the authorities ever demand people shut up.