Murder Investigation After Death Of Child In North Belfast

The PSNI have launched a murder investigation following the death of a young child in north Belfast.

According to reports, police and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) responded to a 999 call reporting an incident at a house on Brompton Park at about 8.16pm on Tuesday 27 July.

It is understood that one child has died and a second child was taken to hospital, where they remain in a critical condition.

One person is understood to have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Police confirmed that they have launched a murder investigation but stressed that their investigation was "at an early stage".

Police and politicians urged people not to speculate over the incident and to allow the investigation to proceed unhindered.

At the scene last night, Sinn Féin North Belfast MP John Finucane said: "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.

"I would also appeal to everyone to be mindful of what has happened and not to post or share anything which would add to the distress of those involved or the local community."