The father of a baby boy stabbed to death at his north Belfast fought back tears today as he carried his tiny white coffin.
Two month-old Liam O'Keefe died last Tuesday night at a house in Brompton Park, Ardoyne.
Heartbreaking images from a funeral home showed the infant's father, also Liam, carrying his white coffin ahead of a service at Roselawn crematorium.
The baby's sister, two year-old Kayla, also suffered injuries during the incident and was taken to hospital in a critical condition and admitted to intensive care.
Since then, her condition has improved and she is now said to be in a stable condition.
The children's mother, Raluca Ioana Tagani, has been charged with murder and attempted murder, and appeared before Belfast magistrates court last week.
The 29-year-old Romanian national was remanded in custody to appear before court again on August 27.
The children's father, Liam O'Keefe, who had left the family home the Saturday before the attack and travelled to England, then returned home to be by his daughter's hospital bedside.
Speaking at a community vigil, which offered prayers for both children, Mr O'Keefe said he had been left "truly heartbroken" by the tragedy.
Addressing those gathered, he said: "I am truly heartbroken but it gives me the strength to know you are all giving so much love and support.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
"To all the neighbours and the full community for all their help and support, I really appreciate it all".
Mr O'Keefe led mourners at his baby son's funeral.
Leaving the Chapel of Rest at a funeral home on the Oldpark Road, Mr O'Keefe who, along with the other mourners wore a top bearing the infant's face, carried his son's small white coffin.
On the back of the top was an image of Liam and his sister Kayla with the wording `Brother and Sister'.
Some mourners clutched teddy bears as the funeral then prepared to make its way to Roselawn Crematorium.
The funeral took place after a fundraising campaign was launched by the community to help the family with the burial, and almost £4,000 has been raised.
In a message on the page, the organiser of the fundraiser said: "Thank you to everyone who has donated for the burial of baby Liam. As a community in Ardoyne we are very grateful that this money will support the family during this difficult time and help young Kayla as she recovers".
