A MURDER investigation has been launched following the death of a child in Belfast.
The horrific discovery was made on Tuesday evening, where one young child was found dead and another seriously injured in the Brompton Park area of Ardoyne, north Belfast, ITV reports.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have confirmed that one person has been arrested in relation to the discovery, and a murder investigation has been launched, with the child's death believed to have taken place under suspicious circumstances.
The victim is believed to be a baby aged around eight weeks old, with a toddler ina critical condition in hospital, according to The Belfast Telegraph.
The person arrested is understood to be a woman known to the children.
A spokesperson said, however, that the investigation remains "at an early stage and further information will be provided in due course".
Local politicians and community figures have been voicing their shock following the news, with local priest Father Gary Donegan offering his prayers to the people of Ardoyne "following the tragic death of a child while another remains critical".
Following the tragic death of a Child while another remains critical our prayers are with the good People of Ardoyne tonight 🙏💔
— Gary Donegan (@GaryDonegan) July 27, 2021
Local Sinn Féin MP for North Belfast John Finucane, took to Twitter where he said "Our thoughts are with all those involved".
He urged the public "not to post or share anything which would add further distress" to the family.
SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon said the community was in shock, and urged the public to give the PSNI "space and full co-operation to fully investigate this terrible incident".
Investigations continue.
