A mother has been charged with murder after allegedly confessing to police that she consumed parts of her four-year-old son's body. The 32-year-old woman, who has not been identified for legal reasons, reportedly went to Wyong Police Station on Saturday afternoon and made the disclosure.

Responding officers discovered the child's body at a community housing unit on Byron Street, where it is understood he had been dead for several days. The boy had sustained significant injuries to his arm.

Police investigators are collecting forensic samples, including saliva, blood, and nail clippings, from the mother. The crime scene at the unit block remained active on Monday.

Details have emerged of the mother's troubled past, including growing up in government housing and alleged drug use that led to her being thrown out of her family home. Court records indicate she had a history of domestic disputes with family members and faced apprehended violence orders from her own mother and another relative. She was also involved in civil disputes and had her driver's license disqualified last year.

The mother and son had reportedly moved to the Wyong unit approximately five months prior to the discovery, seeking to escape domestic violence incidents.

Superintendent Chad Gillies described the scene as "extremely confronting" during a press conference on Sunday, confirming the child had injuries but declining to speculate further.

Neighbours described the boy as happy and energetic, with one neighbor, Harry Chislett, calling him a "little angel." Another resident noted the boy's frequent outdoor activity and interactions, stating he hadn't observed anything unusual.

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice confirmed it is reviewing its records following previous contact with the child and his mother.

The woman did not appear during an online bail court hearing on Sunday, where bail was formally refused. Her case is scheduled to be heard again on September 1.

Soft toys and cards were left at the front of the property by residents mourning the child's death.