A 34-year-old man has been charged with murder after allegedly killing a baby at a Hamilton address yesterday.

He is also facing two charges of attempted murder for his alleged attacks on another young child and a woman.

It is understood the woman is the mother of the children.

Police and forensic personnel at the Douglas Street address in Hamilton where a child was killed and the mother and two others injured in an assault on New Year's Eve. Photo / NZME

“The 34-year-old man remains in hospital in a stable condition under police guard and will be remanded in custody to reappear before the High Court in Hamilton, Tuesday, February 4,” said Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders.

“Police can confirm a baby died, and another child and a woman remain in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

“We extend our sympathies to the whānau at this tragic time and will provide ongoing support.

“A scene examination is ongoing at the Douglas Crescent property, and police are speaking with a number of people as they work to build a full picture of what has occurred.

“Police know this was a distressing incident and the community is understandably feeling concerned.

“We would like to reiterate that this was an isolated event and there is no risk to the wider public.

“Police thank the community for their patience and understanding as we continue to undertake our inquiries.”

Police and forensic experts at the scene in Hamilton. Photo / NZME

Yesterday the Herald reported that during the attack the woman ran to get help from neighbours - but the alleged offender “dragged” her back home.

It is understood the alleged offender is her partner or former partner.

He was also rushed to hospital with what a source said was self-inflicted injuries.

Yesterday police began a detailed scene examination at several houses on the street - the victims’ home and another house.

At the second house, blood could be seen smeared on the walls of the porch and frame of the front door.

The residents at the address declined to comment.

Others said the alleged offender was stopped by police dogs on nearby McPherson Place.

He had been jumping fences moving between properties trying to escape police.

Police at the Douglas Street address in Hamilton. Photo / NZME

Near the location of his capture, large pools of blood could be seen dried onto the footpath.

Early this afternoon Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders arrived at the scene and spoke to staff.

Soon afterwards, a woman approached to lay flowers.

Yesterday neighbours stood watching the police, several brought to tears over the violence that occurred only metres from their homes.

Police forensics at the scene of a homicide investigation on Douglas Cres, Hamilton. Photo / Dean Purcell

Jesse, a local resident who said he was one of the first on scene told the Herald: “I knew the baby was gone ... it was lifeless”.

He said he knew something was wrong when he saw a man dragging a woman across the street.

Jesse told the Herald that he saw the woman get stabbed.

“I was trying to look for [the alleged offender] to make sure the kids were okay because we know that they had kids there,” he said.

“That’s all we wanted to know if they were okay, but I didn’t want to go inside at the time.”

Local resident Kasey said she looked after the surviving children at what is now the scene of a homicide investigation. Photo / Dean Purcell

He said the alleged offender was found at a nearby property.

The last time he saw the injured woman she couldn’t breathe properly but was speaking.

Another neighbour, Kasey, said she and other neighbours helped keep the two uninjured children safe, wrapping them in blankets.

“[One child] was playing with a doll and she mimicked what she saw. The trauma that poor child has to live with.”

She said a nana and auntie arrived at the scene and “dropped to ground, screaming and bawling” after learning what had happened.

“Emergency services were called shortly after midnight to Douglas Cres, Fairfield, after a report of an assault,” a police spokesperson said. “When police arrived at the property, they found one person deceased and two others seriously injured, who were transported to hospital.

“A 34-year-old man was found a short distance from the address with serious injuries and was also transported to hospital, where he remains under police guard.

“A scene examination will take place at the property today.

“Police would like to reassure the community that this is an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to the wider public.”

The spokesperson confirmed the 34-year-old man will face charges in due course in relation to the incident.

Anna Leask is a Christchurch-based reporter who covers national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 18 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast A Moment In Crime, released monthly on nzherald.co.nz

FAMILY VIOLENCE

How to get help:If you're in danger now: • Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.• Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you.
• Take the children with you. Don't stop to get anything else.
• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.
Where to go for help or more information:
• Women's Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)
• Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)
• It's Not Ok: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450
• Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children.
• Crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)
• Ministry of Justice: For information on family violence
• Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services
• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women.