Murder investigation following death of child in Belfast

Police in Belfast have opened a murder inquiry following the death of a child in the Ardoyne area on Tuesday evening.

The PSNI said it was investigating the child's death at a house in Brompton Park and that a woman had been arrested in connection with the matter.

Ambulance crews had earlier taken two children to hospital following what is understood to have been a stabbing incident.

Police later confirmed that a child had died. It is understood the other child is being treated for injuries in hospital.

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“Police have commenced a murder investigation following the death of a child in the Brompton Park area of north Belfast this evening and made one arrest in relation to this,” a PSNI spokesman said. “The investigation is at an early stage and further information will be provided in due course.”

A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) spokesman said it received a 999 call at 8.16pm following reports of an incident in the north Belfast area.

“NIAS despatched a rapid response paramedic and two emergency crews to the scene,” he said.

“Following assessment and initial treatment two patients were taken to hospital in Belfast.”

North Belfast Sinn Féin MP John Finucane described the incident as “tragic” and said “our thoughts are with all those involved”.

He urged social media users “not to post or share anything which would add further distress”.

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.