Police name man wanted over chase that ended in Sydney toddler's death | Australia news | The GuardianPolice name man wanted over chase that ended in Sydney toddler's death | Australia news | The Guardian










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Sydney



Police name man wanted over chase that ended in Sydney toddler's death









Police have named a man wanted over a car chase which resulted in the death of 17-month-old girl who was playing in her Sydney backyard

















Tatalena Tauaifaga, 17 months, being held by her cousin. The toddler was killed at her home in Constitution Hill after a police pursuit on Thursday night. Photograph: AAP



Australian Associated Press


Friday 9 January 2015 21.16 EST







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Police have named a man wanted over a car chase that resulted in the death of 17-month-old girl who was playing in her Sydney backyard.
Anyone seeing Christopher Chandler, 22, should not approach him but call 000, New South Wales police said.
Tatalena Tauaifaga died in Westmead hospital on Thursday night after an Audi crashed through a fence during a police chase in the suburb of Constitution Hill.
Flowers and a teddy bear were left at the scene as a memorial to the 17-month-old.
The toddler’s parents, Helena and Topaz Tauaifaga, have been “doing as well as can be expected”, said a friend who did not wish to be named. The family issued a statement saying they were “utterly devastated” and in “absolute shock.”
“She was full of life. She was so happy, she would run around playing ‘castles’ with her siblings all afternoon,” said an uncle, Tulaga Toleafoa.
Police said a critical incident investigation was under way as questions were raised about why a chase was undertaken in an area of cul de sacs where children frequently play. “I don’t understand why they were going at such a high speed, when we drive through here we are so careful because children are always playing together outside, riding their bikes,” said one resident.
Police appealed for help in tracing Chandler. The 22-year-old, said to have a history of violence, was described as being of Caucasian appearance, fair complexion, with short brown hair, facial hair, and about 175-185cm tall with a thin build.
His passenger, Katie Tuite, also 22, was arrested and charged with offences including theft, affray, being armed with intent, drug supply and possession. She was in custody and had not been charged over the pursuit.
Assistant police commissioner Frank Mennilli said his thoughts and prayers were with the family but also with the police involved. “They are distraught … they’ve got children the same age. They are doing it very tough at the moment,” he said.



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