Northern Ireland

Father of children stabbed in Ardoyne left `truly heartbroken'

Liam O'Keefe pictured at a vigil for his two children, Liam and Kayla, who were stabbed at their home in Ardoyne on Tuesday night. Picture by Mal McCann
Liam O'Keefe pictured at a vigil for his two children, Liam and Kayla, who were stabbed at their home in Ardoyne on Tuesday night. Picture by Mal McCann Liam O'Keefe pictured at a vigil for his two children, Liam and Kayla, who were stabbed at their home in Ardoyne on Tuesday night. Picture by Mal McCann

The "truly heartbroken" father of a baby boy who was stabbed to death in Ardoyne has thanked the north Belfast community from the "bottom of my heart" for all its support following the tragedy.

Liam O'Keefe was visibly emotional when he attended a community vigil last night outside the property in Brompton Park to remember his two-month-old son, Liam.

The baby suffered stab wounds at the family home on Tuesday night and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr O'Keefe's other child, Kayla, who is two-and-a-half, also suffered stab wounds and was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

The little girl has since been described as being in a "stable" condition.

The children's mother Raluca Tagani, who suffered wounds to her throat, was also taken to hospital on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old, who moved into the area with Mr O'Keefe around a year ago, has since been charged with the murder of her baby son, Liam, and attempted murder, and appeared before court this morning.

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

It is believed Mr O'Keefe had left the family home at the weekend and gone to England but returned following the tragedy and to be at his young daughter's hospital bedside.

A community vigil to remember the two O'Keefe children took place outside the family home last night.

Liam O'Keefe is comforted at a community vigil held for his two children. Picture by Mal McCann
Liam O'Keefe is comforted at a community vigil held for his two children. Picture by Mal McCann Liam O'Keefe is comforted at a community vigil held for his two children. Picture by Mal McCann

Speaking at the event, Mr O'Keefe said he had been left "truly heartbroken".

Clearly upset, the west Belfast man told those gathered, some of whom held blue balloons and left teddy bear and floral tributes at the scene, that holding the vigil "means the world to me".

"I am truly heartbroken but it gives me the strength to know you are all giving so much love and support," he said.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

He added: "To all the neighbours and the full community for all their help and support, I really appreciate it all".

A priest also offered up prayers during the vigil for both Liam and Kayla.