10-year-old boy believed shot dead

A 10-year-old boy is dead after an incident involving a gun on a station in a remote part of the East Cape.

A police spokesperson said this morning detectives were investigating the boy's death, which happened about 4pm yesterday on Te Kumi Station in the Waikura Valley.

It was believed the young boy was with two similar aged friends at the time of the incident. 

"The circumstances surrounding the death are currently unknown but it is believed that a firearm was involved."

Police were conducting a scene examination with the assistance of a forensic scientist. A forensic autopsy would be held to determine the cause of death.

Te Kumi is inland from Hicks Bay, and about 3-4 hours drive from Gisborne. It is regarded as one of the most isolated farm properties in the North Island.

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