The Ministry of Police is investigating the death of a one-year-old girl from Samalaeulu, Savai'i, who was allegedly struck by her mother with a broom.

The death and the investigation was confirmed by the Police Commissioner, Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil, in response to questions from the Samoa Observer. 

“No arrest yet and the Police investigation is underway on this matter.” 

Fuiavaili’ili said he was not at liberty to divulge the details of what transpired.

“I can’t really say that," he said when asked if they have done an autopsy. 

"All I can say is that police investigation is underway.” 

Asked about the Police treating this case as a homicide, the Police Commissioner said they have not reached that conclusion. 

“All I can say the investigation is underway.” 

But a Police Officer in Savai'i, who is not allowed to talk to the media, said the one-year-old was unconscious when she was taken to the hospital. 

“We were contacted by the hospital about the toddler who arrived at the hospital when she was already lifeless," said the Police Officer.

"The investigation so far indicates that the mother who is pregnant — allegedly struck the one-year-old with a broom — she fell down and was unconscious.

"The child in question is the third child in the family,” said the Officer.