A father in Northern Ireland has rushed to be at his young daughter's bedside as she fights for her life in hospital after an alleged knife attack left her seriously injured and killed her young brother.
Police and medical staff were called to a house in Ardoyne, Belfast shortly after 8pm on Tuesday (local time) where they found two young children with serious injuries. The two-year-old girl was taken to an intensive care unit, but the two-month-old boy died at the scene.
A 29-year-old woman also in the house was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Police say they aren't looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.
The Irish News reports that the father of the two children was understood to be in England at the time of the stabbing, but has since returned to Belfast to see his hospitalised daughter.
It's believed he moved out of the Ardoyne home in recent days.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Millar of the Police Service of Northern Ireland major investigations team says their investigation into the incident is progressing.
"Our thoughts are with the baby's family, who are being supported by family liaison officers."
John Finucane, the MP for the Sinn Féin party, visited the scene of the alleged attack on Wednesday, describing it as a "very tragic situation".
"It is my understanding that first responders entered a house, they found two young children very seriously injured and despite their best efforts one child died at the scene," he said.
"Our hopes and prayers are that that child will pull through and make a full recovery."
Finucane says the support those in the community have shown has been "hugely impactful", especially neighbours who helped out on the night of the stabbing.
"Ardoyne is a very proud community, it is a resilient community also and I have no doubt whatsoever that they will rally around each other at this very difficult time, they will provide help and assistance for those who need it," he says.
"I would also just stress just for people to exercise caution and sensitivity in regards to what they would post or share on social media, there is a live murder investigation and people need to be respectful of that process as well."
