POLICE are investigating the death of a 10-year-old boy in remote Waikura Valley near East Cape.

The incident is reported to have happened at around 4pm yesterday.

The boy’s name has not been released and the exact cause and circumstances of his death has not been confirmed, but Gisborne CIB says a firearm is believed to be involved.

“A scene examination is under way with the assistance of a forensic scientist and a post mortem will be held to determine the cause of death,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Scott.

“It is believed the young boy was in the company of two similar-aged friends at the time of the incident,” he said.

• The incident comes three years after the firearm death of an 11-year-old boy on the East Coast in July 2009. A 13-year-old East Coast boy later pleaded guilty in the High Court at Gisborne to a charge of manslaughter.