Northern Ireland

Dungannon: Three people still being questioned in connection with death of toddler

The child, who was due to turn two later this month, was found in a house in Dungannon

The child has been named locally as Tavia Michella. PICTURE: UTV
The child has been named locally as Tavia Michaela. PICTURE: UTV

Three people continued to be questioned by police on Tuesday night in connection with the death of a young child in Co Tyrone.

The East Timorese child has been named locally as Tavia Michaela, who was due to turn two later this month.

A police investigation was launched after the toddler was found dead at a house in Dungannon on Sunday. Police are treating her death as suspicious.

Floral tributes and a teddy bear have been left outside the house in the Windmill Court area of the town.

Roy Setiawan from the Timorese Association Inclusive Support NI, who works with people from East Timor living and working in Dungannon, told UTV: “This could happen to any family and sadly it has happened to one of our members of the community.

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“This is really sad and a shock to our community.

“I hope we all pray for the soul of the baby girl that passed away, so her soul can rest in peace.”



A man and two women, all aged in their twenties, were arrested and remained in police custody on Tuesday night.

A PSNI spokesman said on Monday: “A post mortem will take place to determine the cause of death, however the death is currently being treated as suspicious”.

Political representatives have spoke of their shock at the child’s death.

DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said it was a “deeply tragic incident”.

“The death of a child is particularly shocking and my thoughts are with all those who are suffering today as a result,” she said

“It is important that the full facts surrounding this case are established and the investigation that is underway can conclude as quickly as possible.

“I would ask that the community do not speculate and allow the Police to conduct their investigation.”