Northern Ireland

Ardoyne tragedy: Fundraiser for family of baby Liam O'Keefe raises more than £3,300

Flowers and toys outside the house in Ardoyne, north Belfast where a baby was killed last week. Picture by Mal McCann
Flowers and toys outside the house in Ardoyne, north Belfast where a baby was killed last week. Picture by Mal McCann Flowers and toys outside the house in Ardoyne, north Belfast where a baby was killed last week. Picture by Mal McCann

AN online fundraiser for the family of a baby boy killed in north Belfast last week has so far raised more than £3,300.

The GoFundMe page was set up to raise money towards baby Liam O'Keefe's funeral.

The two-month-old boy was killed at his home in Ardoyne, north Belfast, on Tuesday evening.

A private funeral is due to be held later this week.

Liam's mother Raluca Ioana Tagani (29) appeared via video link before a judge at Belfast Magistrates Court on Friday.

She is accused of murdering baby Liam at their home in Brompton Park and the attempted murder of a two-year-old toddler in the same attack.

The toddler remains in a stable condition in hospital.

Ms Tagani was remanded in custody to appear before the court again on August 27.

Baby Liam's father, also called Liam O'Keefe, attended a vigil in Ardoyne following his son's death.

The west Belfast man, who was in England at the time of the killing, said he had been devastated by the tragedy.

"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."

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the Police Ombudsman is assessing a visit police made to the family home in Brompton Park several days before Liam's death.

Officers are understood to have attended the Ardoyne address on Saturday of last week.

Money to the GoFundMe page can be donated via https://uk.gofundme.com/f/help-raise-funds-for-the-burial-of-baby-liam