Police have appealed to families not to leave their young children unattended, following the deaths of a baby and two toddlers in recent days.

They said families should give priority to the safety of their young children to avoid more fatalities. 

The Police said they received a call from staff at Motootua Hospital on Sunday, who reported they have the body of a 4-year-old girl, who was believed to have been hit by a vehicle at Ti’avea. 

She was taken to Lalomanu hospital and later transferred to Motootua but died on her way to the main hospital. 

Preliminary investigations by the Police revealed that the girl was struck by a minivan, when she crossed the road after stepping out of a minivan. The driver has been charged with negligent driving causing death, and is remanded in custody until October 1 when he will appear in Court for mention.

On Monday the Police responded to a call, again from staff at Motootua Hospital, who advised they had the body of a 3-year-old girl of Faleula and Faleasiu. She was declared dead on arrival at the hospital with investigations revealing that she was hit on the head by a falling TV screen, when she was watching television with her siblings.

Last Saturday a 1-year-old baby boy was rushed to the Motootua Hospital emergency, but was declared dead on arrival by staff. It is believed the baby drowned behind the family home at Matafaa, Lefaga. Police said their preliminary investigations indicated that the deceased baby was left unsupervised by the family, whose home is next to the sea.

The Police have appealed to the public to prioritise the safety of their young children and ensure they are not left unsupervised.

“Our condolences to the families affected by these tragedies,” the Police added in a statement.