A man accused of stabbing a three-year-old boy to death in a Sydney unit will remain in custody as he recovers in hospital from self-inflicted wounds.

Nathan Vikatos, 45, was on Saturday due to face Parramatta Local Court on a murder charge, but the case was adjourned for two months after a brief mention.

He is accused of killing the boy after police found the youngster’s body at a unit on Washington Avenue, Riverwood, about 4pm on Wednesday.

A relative had called police due to welfare concerns for the pair.

Vikatos was also found in the apartment and treated at the scene for self-inflicted injuries.

He underwent surgery and was in a stable condition on Thursday before being arrested and formally charged in hospital the following day.

Vikatos has a partner who has been assisting police.

Police believe the mother of the boy died a few years ago and he was living with Vikatos and one of his female relatives, who called police.

The matter was adjourned to Burwood Local Court on August 9.

Superintendent Sheridan Waldau on Wednesday described the child’s death as a horrific incident that was traumatic for all those who had attended the scene.

Prevention of Domestic Violence Minister Jodie Harrison previously said the child’s death was “shocking and tragic” and offered her condolences to his family and friends.

-AAP

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