A 61-year-old man was murdered and his eight-year-old daughter left fighting for her life after a “horrendous” incident at a family home in Dungannon on Saturday, police have confirmed.
The child is now in a stable condition in hospital, while the man’s 48-year-old wife was also injured.
Police said a 16-year-old boy remains in custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, after detectives were granted extra time to question him.
Mid Ulster District Commander, Superintendent Peter Stevenson, said officers were called just before 10.55am on Saturday, August 29, to a report from a member of the public about “an ongoing disturbance” at a house in the Lisnahull Road area.
“Officers arrived a short time later and discovered the body of a man aged 61, his 48-year-old wife, who had sustained non-life threatening injuries, and their severely injured eight-year-old daughter,” he said.
“Our officers immediately commenced first aid on the woman and girl – and I am in no doubt that their quick-thinking actions gave the young girl a fighting chance of survival. She is now in a stable condition in hospital.
“Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance later attended and took both females to hospital.”
A 16-year-old male was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He remains in custody.
“Our detectives were last night granted a court extension of a further 36 hours to question this male,” Superintendent Stevenson added.
“First and foremost, I want to express my sympathies to the loved ones of this family who will inevitably be struggling to come to terms with this horrendous news.
“Specialist officers are supporting the wider family circle and we are liaising with the relevant Consulate. We would ask that the public avoid speculation.”
He stressed that police do not believe there is any wider threat.
“I want to repeat that we do not believe that there is any ongoing risk to the public and, at this stage, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation,” he said.
“However, please be assured that you will continue to see an increased police presence in the area. We have a significant number of detectives and local policing officers dedicated to working on this case.
“We understand the public interest and concern and will continue to bring updates as our investigation progresses.
“We are engaging with local representatives and partnership organisations as we seek to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.
“Early support has been provided to officers who attended this scene and their trauma-focused care will continue.”
Police are appealing for anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward.
Information can be passed to the PSNI on 101, quoting reference 564 of 29/08/26, or via the Major Incident Public Portal at: mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI26W22-PO1
Alternatively, details can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
