The father of a three-year-old boy fatally stabbed in Sydney's south is under police guard in hospital, and is expected to be charged with murder.
The ABC understands the man's partner had contacted police to report domestic violence allegations against him in the hours before the alleged incident.
He is currently under police guard in hospital, and is expected to be charged over the boy's death.
Police were called to an apartment complex in Riverwood at about 4pm on Wednesday, by a female relative who found the child's body.
Responding officers found the boy's father inside the unit with critical stab wounds, before paramedics took him to hospital.
The 45-year-old underwent surgery for his injuries, which were believed to be self-inflicted.
He is now in a stable condition.
The boy's mother died several years ago and his father was living with a new partner.
He recently left the home they shared, and was staying with a female relative at the unit in Riverwood with his son.
It is understood the man's partner called police this week to report allegations of domestic violence against him.
Hours later, police were called to the unit by the female relative after she found the toddler's body, along with his critically injured father.
Forensic crews remained at the scene on Thursday as people laid flowers in memory of the boy.
Neighbour Amber Macdonald said she was initially worried about going home when she saw the emergency response on Wednesday.
"It was very scary, I feel like I was in America … it was terrifying," Ms Macdonald said.
"It brought tears to my eyes, the whole community was devastated.
"I've got friends who have lived here 20 years and they said nothing like this has [ever] happened."
Bilal Fazli, a development officer at the local community centre, said his team would support those affected by the "tragic incident".
"It's the worst news you can hear … [we] just cannot imagine how difficult it may be for any of the loved ones and the community in general," Mr Fazli said.
"We offer not only our condolences but our support for our local community and the people affected."
