Dungannon murder inquiry: man found dead, girl critically injured at Lisnahull Road home

A man has been found dead and a child left in a critical condition at a property in Dungannon, Northern Ireland. A male suspect remains in custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Murder probe launched after man dies and child critically hurt in Dungannon house

Google News UK — Crime (en) reports that a murder investigation is under way following an incident at a residential property on Lisnahull Road, Dungannon, discovered at approximately 11:00 BST on Saturday.

The body of a man was found alongside an injured child, understood to be a girl, at the address. The child remains in a critical condition. A woman who sustained non-life threatening injuries during the incident has since been discharged from hospital.

A male arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Robinson of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the cause of the man's death had not yet been formally established and that post-mortem examinations would take place in due course.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further and I would ask that the public avoid speculation until we can provide further updates," Robinson said. "However, I want to reassure the public that we do not believe that there is any ongoing risk, and at this stage we are not seeking anyone else in relation to the deaths."

Robinson added that the thoughts of his officers were "very much with the family and friends of those involved."

BBC News NI understands the man who died was from Guinea-Bissau but had lived in Northern Ireland for more than two decades.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 11:08 BST on Saturday. It dispatched a helicopter crew, three emergency crews, one advanced care paramedic, two ambulance officers and one Hazardous Area Response Team crew to the scene.

Sinn Féin assembly member Colm Gildernew described Lisnahull as a "very close community" and said residents would reach out to support those affected.

"These incidents are dreadful anywhere they happen," Gildernew said. "It has hit the town of Dungannon at this point in time and the community here will react and respond to that."

Sinn Féin councillor Deirdre Varsani said there was "huge shock" in the local community and "huge concern" for the families affected and for the injured child. She said those impacted faced "a number of weeks and months" dealing with the trauma, and urged people to refrain from speculation.

"Your thoughts really should be with anybody who has been injured, anybody who witnessed it or anybody who has been impacted by it," Varsani said.

Independent councillor Barry Monteith said people in the area were "dismayed." He called for "a little bit of restraint until the proper facts emerge", warning that rumours and speculation on social media did not help grieving families or those coming to terms with what had happened.

Alliance Party assembly member Connie Egan described the news as "incredibly distressing and shocking."

"My thoughts are with everyone affected, especially the child who has sadly been injured. I wish them a full recovery," Egan said. She also urged the public to follow PSNI guidance, avoid the area, and refrain from speculation "during this very difficult time."

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)