Dungannon: Child in 'stable condition' as police continue murder investigation

An eight-year-old girl is in a stable condition and a 16-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after an incident in Dungannon on Saturday .

The body of a 61-year-old man was found alongside his injured daughter at a house in Lisnahull Road at about 11:00 BST.

The man's wife, 48, who sustained non-life threatening injuries during the incident, has been released from hospital.

Police said detectives have been granted a court extension for a further 36 hours to question the teenager.

BBC News NI understands the man who died was from Guinea-Bissau, but had lived in Northern Ireland for more than two decades.

Speaking to the media on Monday, PSNI Supt Peter Stevenson said police received a report on Saturday morning from a member of the public about an ongoing disturbance at the house.

"Officers arrived short time later and discovered the body of a man, aged 61, his 48-year-old wife, who sustained non life threatening injuries, and their severely injured eight-year-old daughter," Stevenson said.

He said officers immediately commenced first aid on the woman and girl.

"I am in no doubt their quick actions gave the young girl a fighting chance at survival," Stevenson said, adding that she is now in a stable condition in hospital.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said they received a 999 call at 11:08 on Saturday, following reports of an incident.

They dispatched a helicopter crew, three emergency crews, one advanced care paramedic, two ambulance officers and one HART (Hazardous Area Response Team) crew to the scene.

"First and foremost, I want to express my sympathies to the loved ones of this family who will inevitably be struggling to come to terms with this horrendous news," Stevenson said.

He said specialist officers are supporting the wider family circle.

The public is being asked not to speculate on the case.

"I want to repeat that we do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public. At this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation," Stevenson said.

He said the public will continue to see an increased police presence in the area.

"We understand the public interest and concern. We will continue to bring updates as our investigation progresses," he said.

Early support has been provided to officers who attended the scene, according to Stevenson, who said their "trauma-focused care will continue".

Child remains 'critical' as police continue murder investigation

Murder investigation after man found dead and child seriously injured