Murder investigation into death of toddler in Tyrone

Police have begun a murder investigation following the death of a young girl in Co Tyrone.

The 23-month-old girl was found dead in a house at Windmill Court, Dungannon on Sunday morning.

She has been named as Tavia Michella Ximenes Da Costa and this evening the PSNI announced that they have begun a murder inquiry into her death.

She is believed to be 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.

"Following the results of a post-mortem I can now confirm that I am treating her death as murder."

Three people - a 21-year-old woman, a 24-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man - have all been arrested on suspicion of murder.

They remain in custody this evening.

"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