Heartbroken father fights back tears as he cradles tiny coffin of his eight-week-old son who was allegedly murder by his mother as devastated mourners wear jumpers with pictures of the baby

The heartbroken father of an eight-week-old baby who was allegedly murdered by his mother fought back tears today as he carried his son's casket at his funeral in Belfast. 

Liam O'Keefe was found dead in a house in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast last Tuesday evening. 

His mother Raluca Ioana Tagani, 29, who is originally from Romania, is accused of his killing as well as the attempted murder of a two-year-old child in the same stabbing incident in the home.

Today, his grieving father, who is also named Liam O'Keefe, broke down as he carried the baby's tiny casket at the funeral in Belfast. 

Supported by friends, Mr O'Keefe wore a jumper with his son's photo on the front as he cradled his casket.  

Liam O'Keefe carries the coffin of his son, also named Liam, after he was allegedly stabbed to death by his mother

Supported by friends, Mr O'Keefe wore a jumper with his son's photo on the front as he cradled his casket.

Raluca Ioana Tagani, 29, appeared via video link before a judge in Belfast Magistrates' Court last week. She is accused of murdering her son Liam O'Keefe

Mr O'Keefe, who gave permission for his son's funeral to be covered by the media, is laying his son to rest today.

He broke down as he held the white coffin containing Liam's remains while mourners wore matching grey jumpers with a picture of the baby on them.

So far, more than £3,430 has been raised to support the family and pay for Liam's funeral.

His older daughter revealed her family's heartache after her brother Liam was stabbed 'repeatedly'.

Speaking from her home in Wolverhampton, she told The Sun: '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.'    

The baby's mother appeared before a judge at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Friday morning before being remanded in custody. 

Tagani appeared from a custody cell for the brief hearing before deputy district judge Liam McStay.

She spoke only briefly to confirm she understood the charges she faced and a Romanian interpreter translated the court proceedings.

Baby Liam, who was eight weeks old, was found dead in a house in the Northern Irish capital

Mr O'Keefe at the funeral today. His older daughter revealed her family's heartache after her brother Liam was stabbed 'repeatedly'

Liam O'Keefe, the father of baby Liam, speaks to local residents last week as they take part in a vigil and balloon launch at Brompton Park, Ardoyne, North Belfast

She will next appear in court on August 27. 

A detective sergeant with the Police Service of Northern Ireland told the court he could connect the accused to the charge.

A solicitor for Tagani said he had no questions for the officer in respect of the connection.

The lawyer also said he would not be applying for bail for his client. Tagani was remanded in custody to appear before the court again on August 27.

Mr O'Keefe travelled from England to Northern Ireland shortly after his son's death.

Speaking to residents at a vigil last week in a blue balloon-filled street, he said he was 'truly heartbroken' as he thanked the community for their support.

Speaking to residents at the vigil on Thursday in the blue balloon-filled street, Liam said he was 'truly heartbroken'

A local priest also offered up prayers outside the Brompton Park home in north Belfast

Police forensics officers at the scene following the incident. A detective sergeant with the Police Service of Northern Ireland told the court he could connect the accused to the charge

He said: '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.'

A local priest also offered up prayers outside the Brompton Park home.