LAST UPDATE | 8 Aug 2021

POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland investigating the murder of a two-year-old girl have arrested a 24-year-old woman on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, causing or permitting the death of a child and child cruelty. 

The toddler, named as Ali Jayden Maguire, died in hospital on Friday after sustaining head injuries at a house in Co Tyrone.

Earlier today, detectives from the PSNI’s major investigation team were given an additional 36 hours to question a 32-year-old man.

He was arrested hours after the toddler, known as AJ, was taken to hospital from a house in Park Avenue in Dungannon.

The child’s mother is originally from Dublin and recently to moved to the area.

Friends and family left ornaments and teddy bears alongside sympathy messages, flowers and cards outside the home where AJ was discovered seriously injured.

In a statement, the PSNI said: “Detectives from Police Service of Northern Ireland’s major investigation team investigating the circumstances of the death of a two-year-old girl on Friday 6 August have been granted a court extension for an additional 36 hours to question a 32-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder.”

Forensic officers and the PSNI remained at the scene this morning.

Former DUP leader and MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Arlene Foster tweeted: “Another tragic death in the constituency, this time a little girl.

“Thinking of all those dealing with this awful event, and trying to make sense of it all.”