Listen: Baby dead and young child in intensive care following incident in North Belfast

Q Radio News/PA

Police have confirmed a baby has died and another young child remains in intensive care in hospital following an incident in Ardoyne in North Belfast. 

A murder investigation was launched last night following the baby's death. 

Officers were called to a house in Brompton Park shortly after 8pm last night and discovered the two children injured. 

Despite efforts of the emergency services, the baby was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The other young child was taken to hospital for treatment where it remains in a serious condition. 

A 29-year-old woman who was also in the house was detained on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and remains in custody. 

It's understood the incident was a domestic stabbing. 

Detective Chief Inspector Millar said, "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 on 101 quoting reference number 1787 27/07/21.”

Forensic officers at the scene in North Belfast. Pictures: Alan Lewis. 

North Belfast MP John Finucane said the local community is in shock and numb following launch of the murder investigation.

He said the area where the tragedy occurred is a tight knit community. 

“We have to be mindful that the police have arrested one person, that there’s a murder investigation that has commenced.

“I would like to take another opportunity just to urge people to be very cautious on social media, not just with the words that they say but also with any videos that people are thinking of sharing.

“I would urge people not to do that; not only would it add to the distress of families who are dealing with a horrific situation, I think people just need to be mindful and sensitive.

“It’s so difficult to comprehend. I think everybody who is waking up to this news this morning or was watching or listening to this unfold, when we’re dealing with somebody so young, it compounds the hurt.

“Our thoughts are, obviously, hoping to be very positive for the other child who’s critical. But, again, we just need to allow the authorities to come in and do their process and carry out their investigation.”

MP John Finucane speaking to Q Radio 

SDLP deputy leader and North Belfast MLA Nichola Mallon said the local community was in shock.

“It is important that the PSNI are given the space and full co-operation to fully investigate this terrible incident,” she said.

People Before Profit councillor Fiona Ferguson said the news was “truly devastating”.

“A wave of shock began in Brompton Park last night and spread out across north Belfast,” she said.

“After something so shocking, community solidarity, community support, rallying around each other is going to be absolutely paramount.”