An inquiry has been initiated to determine whether cannibalism played a role in the death of a four-year-old boy, while his mother faces murder charges.

Authorities in Wyong, New South Wales, responded to a welfare check at a residence on Byron Street following a visit by a 32-year-old woman to the police station.

Upon entering the premises, law enforcement discovered the deceased child with severe arm injuries, described by Superintendent Chad Gillies as an “extremely distressing” scene.

The Sydney Morning Herald recently reported that the possibility of cannibalism was being investigated in connection with the incident, although Supt Gillies declined to speculate during a press briefing.

While confirming that the child had sustained injuries, he refrained from disclosing the nature of those injuries.

Supt Gillies mentioned a familial connection between the child and the 32-year-old woman, who lived together in the unit. Both individuals remain unnamed due to legal constraints.

The woman, a known figure to law enforcement, did not attend a bail hearing, and the case is scheduled to be revisited in court on September 1.

Authorities are committed to meticulously examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy to ensure a thorough investigation and presentation of findings to the court in due course.