THE devastated father of a baby stabbed to death says he is “truly heartbroken”.
Liam O’Keefe’s family was ripped apart when his two-month-old son Liam was killed in a horrific attack in Ardyone, Belfast.
A two-year-old girl was also rushed to hospital in a critical condition but is now stable.
Police are now quizzing a 29-year-old woman on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Liam rushed back from London to the Northern Irish capital after receiving the world-shattering news on Tuesday night.
I am truly heartbroken but it gives me the strength to know you are all giving so much love and support.
BelfastLive reports the emotional dad told a vigil on Thursday: “To all the neighbours and the full community for all their help and support, I really appreciate it all.
“Holding this 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.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
FAMILY AGONY
Liam jnr's half-sister has revealed her family's heartache after her brother was stabbed "repeatedly".
Speaking from her home in Wolverhampton, she told The Sun Online: "They were meant to be having the baby’s Christening soon – and now it’s going to be a funeral.
“He was only eight weeks old so I didn’t get to meet him.
"My dad is in absolute bits.
They were meant to be having the baby’s Christening soon – and now it’s going to be a funeral.
"My dad was their protector, their provider.
"[The toddler] is the loveliest little girl – she is always so happy when she is with my dad.
"Liam was a beautiful baby – I just can't get my head around it. We are all devastated."
'BEAUTIFUL BABY'
The 22-year-old went on to reveal the harrowing moment her dad discovered his baby had been stabbed "repeatedly".
She explained: "On Tuesday, when it happened, my dad was standing in my sister's kitchen. She was in the bath and she heard a scream, which was my dad.
“My sister rang the emergency services in Northern Ireland and they sent a rapid response out.”
The dad, who was working in England at the time, raced to his little girl's bedside where he remains.
His daughter said the toddler "burst out crying" when she saw him in the hospital.
MURDER PROBE
Another relative said: "Let’s light Facebook up for our beautiful angel who lost his life and for our beautiful cousin who is fighting for her life in ICU.”
She went on to urge people not to speculate on what happened to let “our whole family circle grieve.”
Another loved one said: "The family is all heartbroken."
Police were scrambled to the home in the Ardoyne area of the city on Tuesday at around 8pm.
Horrified neighbours reportedly screamed "oh my god" as the victims were carried from the house.
Some locals had helped police before ambulance crews arrived after the bloodbath unfolded.
Floral tributes and teddies have been left outside the front garden, which still has a baby's pram and doll on it.
Officers confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the killing.
Detective Chief Inspector Millar from PSNI said: “A 29-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder has now been released from hospital and transferred to police custody for questioning.
"The other young child injured during this incident remains in hospital where her condition is described as stable."
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting reference number 1787 of 27/07/21.
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