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09th Aug 2021

24-year-old woman questioned over death of toddler in Co. Tyrone

Ellen Fitzpatrick

She died from her injuries.

Police in Northern Ireland is investigating the death of a two-year-old girl after she passed away in hospital.

The toddler was rushed to hospital on Friday afternoon after an ambulance was called to her home at Park Avenue in Dungannon, Co Tyrone.

A 24-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the death and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding it.

The PSNI said on Sunday that the woman in question was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

According to Belfast Live, she has also been accused of causing or permitting the death of a child, and child cruelty and will remain in custody for the moment.

A 32-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of murder and also remains in custody, with detectives granted a court extension giving them an extra 36 hours to question him.

A post mortem for the child will be carried out to determine the cause of death, but it is believed that she suffered serious head injuries.

The two-year-old is also believed to have not lived in the house where the incident occurred, instead living in a separate estate with her mum and brother.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Detectives from Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team, investigating the circumstances of the death of a two-year-old girl on Friday, 6 August, have arrested a 24-year-old woman on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, causing or permitting the death of a child and child cruelty.

“The woman remains in custody at this time.

“A 32-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder also remains in custody after detectives were granted a court extension earlier today (Sunday, 8th August) for an additional 36 hours to question him.”