Police are investigating the death of a 12-year-old Ha'apai High School student who died from severe chest wounds in Ha'apai last week. They are also  investigating the deaths of two other  two men in Tongatapu.

The boy was found alive with a severe chest wound, believed to be caused by a knife, at his home at the Ha'apai High School compound on Friday, 30 March. The Acting Police Commissioner Taniela Faletau reported that the boy was rushed to Niu'ui Hospital, but died later in the evening. Police have recovered a knife that was allegedly used, "but so far, we have substantial evidence that rules out any foul play or any suspicious criminal activities to the cause of death," he said.

The boy was a student at the Ha'apai High School and Taniela said an inquest would be held later today in Ha'apai  to determine the cause of death.

Meanwhile, a family member at Fasi, Nuku'alofa said that the boy had accompanied an older brother, who was a teacher at the Ha'apai High School. The body of the boy will arrive in Nuku'alofa tomorrow, 4 April.

Tongatapu deaths

Police also reported that in Tongatapu a 50- year-old man  was found dead by family members at their home in Pea on Thursday, 29 March.

The Acting Police Commissioner said that a medical examination concluded the man died from chronic skin condition that lead to a secondary bacteria infection, and an inquest would take place later today to confirm the cause of his death.

A second Tongatapu man was found dead in a swampy area in 'Isileli, Sopu, at 8am on Saturday, 31 March.

Taniela said that the police are still investigating the death of the 71-year-old man and the medical authorities at Vaiola Hospital were expected to confirm the cause of death soon.