The death of a 23-month-old child in Dungannon is now being treated as murder.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team have launched their investigation into the sudden death of little girl, Tavia Michella Ximenes Da Costa, on Sunday morning.
Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly said: “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.
“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.”
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly continued: “My thoughts, and sincere sympathy, are with little Tavia’s family members and loved ones whose worlds have been turned upside down.
“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.”
Detectives have been granted an additional 24 hours to question those three people.
Detectives are appealing to anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting reference 436 of 13/10/24.
Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, who guarantee complete anonymity, on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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