Northern Ireland

Funeral to take place for baby Liam O'Keefe

Liam O'Keefe pictured receiving support from the Ardoyne community at a vigil in Brompton Park last week. His son, baby Liam, will be buried today. Picture by Mal McCann
Liam O'Keefe pictured receiving support from the Ardoyne community at a vigil in Brompton Park last week. His son, baby Liam, will be buried today. Picture by Mal McCann Liam O'Keefe pictured receiving support from the Ardoyne community at a vigil in Brompton Park last week. His son, baby Liam, will be buried today. Picture by Mal McCann

A funeral service is taking place today for baby Liam O'Keefe, who was killed at his home in north Belfast last week.

The private family service follows a fundraising campaign in recent days for the burial of the two-month-old, who died last Tuesday at a property in Brompton Park, Ardoyne.

The infant was killed while his older sister suffered injuries that have left her in a stable condition in hospital.

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.

Following the death, a fundraising campaign was launched to help the family with the burial, and donations have so far raised almost £4,000.

The fundraising organiser said on the Gofundme page: "The community in Ardoyne wants to unite to support the family of baby Liam O'Keefe."

In the aftermath of the killing last week, friends, relatives and neighbours of baby Liam's family held a vigil in Brompton Park.

The infant's father, also Liam, described his heartbreak at losing his son, and thanked the community for rallying around him.

"It gives me strength to know you are all giving so much love and support," he told those gathered.

Organisers of the funeral fundraising campaign aim to reach a target of £5,000 and donations can continue to be made online at https://uk.gofundme.com/f/help-raise-funds-for-the-burial-of-baby-liam