Man charged with murder of child among three due in court

A 29-year-old man charged with murder and cruelty to children is among three people due in court in relation to the death of a young girl in Co Tyrone.

A 21-year-old woman has been charged with manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable person and cruelty to children, while a 24-year-old woman has been charged with causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable person and cruelty to children.

All three are due to appear at Strabane Magistrates Court later.

The body of 23-month-old Tavia Michella Ximenes Da Costa was found in a house at Windmill Court, Dungannon on Sunday morning.

She is believed to have been a member of the Timorese community in the town.

Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly said officers had responded to a report of a sudden death of a child at the weekend.

He said the young girl had been pronounced dead at the scene.

"My thoughts and sincere sympathy are with little Tavia's family members and loved ones whose worlds have been turned upside down," DCI Kelly said.

Additional reporting by Conor Macauley