THE state's homicide squad has joined a large-scale investigation into the suspicious death of a six-month-old boy south of Cairns. 

Police are focussing on events in the week leading up to the death on February 1 and calling for witnesses who saw a distressed infant in the areas of Mt Peter Rd and Ravizza Drive, Edmonton.

Up to 15 officers from the Cairns Child Protection Unit (CPIU) have been assigned to the case, known as Operation Lima Halifax.

A senior detective from the Queensland Homicide Investigation Unit in Brisbane has also been assigned to the inquiry.

Police were tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding the boy's death but confirmed they were considering foul play.

"The injuries are such that suspicions have been raised," CPIU officer-in-charge Detective Senior Sergeant Glen Horan said.

"The death of a child is always a tragedy.

"We're talking about a defenceless six-month-old child.

"Any death is treated as suspicious until our inquiries determine otherwise."

Det Sen-Sgt Horan said his department had sought the involvement of the Homicide Investigation Unit detective and other resources to help piece together events leading up to the death.

"We're very interested to hear from people who may have seen an infant in distress," he said.

"We're hoping to be able to trigger people's memories.

"Perhaps someone has seen something that at the time they thought was strange or suspicious but did not want to report it to police. We want people to come forward to help us close this investigation."

The boy's death is one of two child deaths currently being investigated by police.

On February 14, a 17-month-old girl drowned in a fenced pool at Holloways Beach.

Police are investigating but have described it as a tragic accident.Anyone with information on the death of the six-month-old boy at Edmonton should contact Cairns police on 4030 7000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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