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'BABY MURDER'

Mum appears in court charged with stabbing eight-week-old baby son to death and trying to kill girl, 2

A MUM has appeared in court charged with stabbing her eight-week-old baby to death and trying to kill a two-year-old girl.

Raluca Tagani, 29, is accused of murdering little Liam O'Keefe at their home in Ardoyne, Belfast, on Tuesday.

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Raluca Tagani, 29, has been charged with the murder of her eight-week-old sonCredit: Enterprise
Liam O'Keefe was stabbed to death at a home in BelfastCredit: Enterprise

The 29-year-old mum also allegedly stabbed a two-year-old girl, who remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Tagani was charged with murder and attempted murder after being moved from hospital into custody.

She appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court today where she was remanded in custody.

Tagani, originally from Romania, appeared via video link for the brief hearing.

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She will next appear in court on August 27.

PSNI said: "Detectives from Police Service of Northern Ireland's Major Investigation Team investigating the murder of Liam O'Keefe have charged a 29-year-old woman with his murder.

"She has also been charged with the attempted murder of a young child."

'DEVASTATED'

It comes after Liam's half-sister revealed her family's heartache after her brother was stabbed "repeatedly".

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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.

"Liam was a beautiful baby - I just can't get my head around it. We are all devastated."

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'TRULY HEARTBROKEN'

She also revealed the harrowing moment dad Liam Snr discovered his baby had been stabbed "repeatedly".

The girl 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.”

Dad Liam Snr had rushed back from England to the Northern Irish capital after receiving the world-shattering news on Tuesday night.

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He told a vigil last night: “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.”

Police were scrambled to the home in the Ardoyne area of the city on Tuesday at around 8pm.

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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.

Dad Liam O’Keefe (right) during a vigil for the baby boyCredit: Pacemaker
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Tributes have been made for the little boyCredit: Pacemaker
Tagani was questioned by police after being released from hospitalCredit: Enterprise
Baby Liam was declared dead at the scene
North Belfast MP John Finucane holds a press conference after a 29-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a baby at a house in Belfast
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