Police today confirmed they've launched a homicide investigation into the death of a Lower Hutt toddler.

Ruthless-Empire Souljah Reign Rhind Shephard Wall was found to have suffered blunt force trauma, with authorities claiming his injuries were 'not accidental'.

NZ Herald senior crime reporter Sam Sherwood says police believe the toddler had suffered from injuries for 12 hours before he was taken to hospital.

"Police said when he arrived at hospital at 10:30 on Sunday, he was unresponsive. Efforts were done to revive him, but they were unsuccessful- he had multiple injuries to his body."

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