There is disbelief in Northland over the head injuries suffered by a 15 month old boy in Kerikeri.
He is in a critical condition at Starship Hospital in Auckland and is likely to be blind with permanent brain damage.
Police have launched a criminal investigation into the incident on Friday night.
Far North district deputy mayor Sally Macauley says she can't believe the incident has occured in the area.
Police say the extent of the injuries to the child is motivating investigators to get to the bottom of the case quickly.
However, Inspector Chris Scahill told Morning Report he does not expect a sudden breakthrough.
He said the family will face further investigation.
Earlier, Inspector Scahill said the boy was living with his mother in Kerikeri at the time of the incident.
She is with him at Starship Hospital, along with other family members and friends.
