Warning: Distressing content
A five-year-old boy has been found dead inside the NSW home where he and his siblings were restrained in sleeping bags with duct tape, which was also used as a blindfold at bedtime, police sources confirmed to this masthead.
The family had been on the radar of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) for at least a year.
Police and paramedics rushed to the Grafton property at 6.40am on Monday, after an occupant at the home found the child unresponsive. The five-year-old, one of multiple children who lived at the home, was administered CPR but died at the scene.
Specialist police including officers from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad are investigating the boy’s death.
Detectives have interviewed the boy’s father and stepmother, who were at home when the child died.
The boys’ carers told detectives duct tape was used to help the children sleep.
Detectives believe the boy lived with intellectual impairment. Police were called to the home last year following a concern for welfare, triggering a referral to DCJ. It is unclear if the family was subject to regular monitoring by DCJ. This masthead has contacted DCJ for comment.
A post-mortem examination will be held to determine the child’s cause of death.
The surviving children have been moved to live with relatives. No arrests or charges have been laid.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
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