A MURDER investigation has been launched following the death of a young girl in Co. Tyrone.
Tavia Michella Ximenes Da Costa, who was just 23 months old, died suddenly in Dungannon at the weekend.
Police investigating the toddler’s death have now arrested two women, aged 21 and 24, and a 29-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has offered his condolences to the girl’s family and urged anyone with information to come forward.
‘Sincere sympathy’
Speaking today, Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly confirmed the PSNI was now treating the toddler’s death as murder.
“Police, along with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, responded to the report of the sudden death of a child in the Windmill Court area of the town on Sunday morning, October 13,” he said.
“Sadly, Tavia, who was just weeks away from her second birthday, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Following the results of a post-mortem examination, I can now confirm that I am treating her death as a murder.
“My thoughts, and sincere sympathy, are with little Tavia’s family members and loved ones whose worlds have been turned upside down.”
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly continued: “Three people, two women and one man, were arrested in connection with the toddler’s murder.
“A 21-year-old woman, a 24-year-old woman, and a 29-year-old man were each arrested on suspicion of murder, and remain in custody at this time.”
‘Horrified’
Speaking this evening, Mr Gildernew described the news of Tavia’s death as heart-breaking.
“I am horrified and deeply saddened to learn that police are now treating the death of a toddler, Tavia Michella Ximenes Da Costa, as a murder,” said the MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone.
“This is absolutely heart-breaking and my thoughts are with Tavia’s loved ones as they process this truly awful situation.
“I would make an appeal for anyone with information which could assist in this investigation to immediately bring it forward to police.”
Detectives have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation into the girl’s death to contact them on 101, quoting reference 436 of October 13.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org