Police have launched a homicide investigation after a young child injured at an Otautau property died in hospital.

Emergency services were called to the Southland address about 6.50pm on Sunday.

The child was taken to hospital in a critical condition before being flown to Starship Hospital in Auckland, where they died on Wednesday afternoon.

Detective Inspector Stu Harvey said a man and woman, both aged 19, who had already been charged in connection with the incident were expected to face further charges.

Harvey said the child’s death would be felt widely across the Otautau community.

A police spokesperson said officers would provide reassurance in the community over the coming days and continue supporting the child’s wider family as the case progressed through the courts.