Responding to a concern for welfare report, Campsie police attended a unit complex on Washington Avenue in Riverwood about 4pm, where they found the deceased boy and a 45-year-old man with serious injuries.
The man was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital in a critical condition. He has undergone surgery and is now stable.
The child’s mother passed away a couple of years ago.
Campsie Police Commander Superintendent Sheridan Waldau said it was a horrific incident and traumatising for everyone.
“Any incident involving a small child is always a tragic incident and our condolences go out to the extended family,” she said.
“It’s one of the jobs we hate going to,” she said.
Supt Waldau said such incidents are very traumatic for officers and they will be receiving the appropriate support.
Staff and volunteers at the nearby Riverwood Community Centre extended their heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the affected immediate family members, friends, and members of the local community.
“In this difficult time, our thoughts are with the entire local community,” Cr Karl Saleh, Chair of Riverwood Community Centre said.
“This was indeed a tragic afternoon for the young boy’s family, it’s a tragedy for our local community and first responders as well.”
Anyone with information into the incident is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you, or anyone you know has been affected by the incident, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Riverwood Community Centre’s youth and family services (TEI) Team on 9533 0100, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.
