Northern Ireland

Woman (24) arrested as police granted extra time to question man on suspicion of murder of two-year-old in Dungannon

Ali Jayden Maguire
Ali Jayden Maguire Ali Jayden Maguire

A 24-year-old woman is being questioned by police following the death of a toddler in Dungannon, Co Tyrone.

Detectives from the the PSNI's major investigation team arrested the woman on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, causing or permitting the death of a child and child cruelty.

It came as police were given extra time to question a man arrested on suspicion of the death of the two-year-old girl.

The child, named as Ali Jayden Maguire, died in hospital on Friday.

The 32-year-old man was arrested by police after the child died in hospital. It was reported she had suffered a serious head injury.

The child was taken to hospital after an ambulance was called to a property in Park Avenue in the town on Friday afternoon.

The toddler's mother, Jade Maguire, is originally from Dublin and recently to moved to the area.

It was reported that Ms Maguire had left her daughter and baby son in the care of a male friend so she could go shopping for a pram.

While away, paramedics were called amid reports she had suffered a fall.

It is understood the child lived at an address at Sycamore Drive on Killymeal Road in the town with her mother and siblings.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place.

Police said yesterday a court extension had been granted allowing them a further 36 hours to question the man in custody. This afternoon detectives were granted an additional 24 hours to question the man.

Tributes were yesterday paid to the two-year-old on social media.

Posting on Facebook the child's grandfather Jerry Maguire, said: "Just can't get my head round this my pride and joy. rip aly.

"I'm absolutely heartbroken still doesn't feel real my little girl granddaughter Ali was given her wings today.

"Fly high baby girl, granda will miss u and love you loads. Look after your mum, brothers and sister."

He later added: "On behalf of my daughter Jade Maguire and family we would like thanks for all your kind messages and support I ask that my daughter be given privacy at this time and be left to grief for her child ...".

The child's grandmother, Deborah Dempsey also posted on Facebook: "We love u princess and mammy will get the answers, sleep tight my beautiful granddaughter Ali xxx."