Dungannon: Toddler found dead just week before birthday as three arrested over 'murder'

Police have launched a murder investigation after 23-month-old toddler Tavia Michella Ximenes Da Costa died suddenly in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, just a few days before her second birthday

Three people have been arrested after a toddler was found dead just days before her second birthday.

Police have launched a murder investigation after the young child died suddenly in the town of Dungannon in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland on Sunday morning. Officers have named the little girl as Tavia Michella Ximenes Da Costa, who was just 23 months old.

A 21-year-old woman, a 24-year-old woman, and a 29-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody. Officers are urging anyone who may have information that could help the investigation to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly from Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) 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, 13 October. 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.”

He 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.”