Two charged after Southland child suffers 'severe injury'

A young child is in critical condition in Southland Hospital after suffering what police described as a "severe injury".

Emergency services were called to a property in Otautau around 6.50pm yesterday.

"The child was taken to Southland Hospital where they remain in a critical condition," Detective Inspector Stu Harvey said.

St John sent one ambulance and two rapid response vehicles.

"As result of police inquiries, a 19-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm."

They were due to appear in the Invercargill District Court later today. 

Otautau was around 40km northwest of Invercargill.