THE heartbroken father of a baby boy stabbed to death has rushed to the bedside of his daughter as she battles for life in hospital. The man working away from home when he was told the shattering news that his youngest child, just seven weeks old, had been killed in Belfast. The boy’s two-year-old sister […]
THE heartbroken father of a baby boy stabbed to death has rushed to the bedside of his daughter as she battles for life in hospital.
The man working away from home when he was told the shattering news that his youngest child, just seven weeks old, had been killed in Belfast.
The boy’s two-year-old sister was badly injured in the stabbing and remained in intensive care overnight.
The tot was only born on May 30 of this year and one grieving relative said: “The family is all heartbroken.”
A 29-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Neighbours dialled 999 after hearing screams from inside the house 8.15pm on Tuesday.
Cops and paramedics raced to the scene at Brompton Park in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast.
Tragically the baby boy died at the scene as medics tried to save him.
A woman, originally from Romania, was arrested inside the house and led out in handcuffs.
A young girl in pyjamas was seen being carried from the property by a policeman shortly after.
Neighbours said the children’s father, originally from the west Belfast area, was in England at the time of the attack.
He was informed soon afterwards and headed back to Belfast from Liverpool this afternoon.
A number of locals and worried relatives had gathered at the scene as police carried out their work last night.
One woman is heard screaming out “oh my god” as the victims were taken away.
One relative took to social media to say: “Let’s light Facebook up for our beautiful angel who lost his life and for our beautiful cousin who is fighting for her life in ICU.”
She went on to urge people not to speculate on what happened to let “our whole family circle grieve.”
Detective Chief Inspector Millar from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team said police had “discovered the injured baby and another injured child in the house”.
“Despite the efforts of the emergency services the baby was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“The other young child was taken to hospital and remains in intensive care.
“A 29-year-old woman who was also in the house has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and remains in custody at this time.
“Our thoughts are with the baby’s family, who are being supported by Family Liaison Officers.
“While our investigation is at any early stage I can confirm that at this stage, we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this tragic death.
“I would like to thank the local community for the support that they have provided and would appeal to anyone with any information that can assist our investigation to contact us.”
North Belfast MP John Finucane said there was a “numbness” in the local community after what happened.
“The community of Ardoyne and beyond are shocked and heartbroken as the police have now confirmed the murder of a young child and another in critical condition.
“The thoughts of all of our community are with the family involved.
“It’s a very tight-knit community, houses are very close to each other, neighbours are very close to each other
“I think as the area tried to get to grips with what was unfolding before them, I think shock and a certain sense of numbness just befell everybody.”
