DUNGANNON, Northern Ireland - A teenage defendant accused of murdering a 61-year-old man and attempting to murder his wife and child has been found currently mentally unfit to appear in court.

The accused, who cannot be named because of his age, faces charges relating to an incident on August 29 in the Lisnahull area of Dungannon. He is accused of murdering Sidi Djalo and attempting to murder Djalo's wife and eight-year-old daughter, as well as threatening to kill the woman.

At a previous hearing, defence solicitor Jarlath Faloon said his client had admitted the offences during police interview, but had not been formally assessed by a psychiatrist while in custody. Faloon said there had been limited examination by a psychiatric nurse and a force medical officer, who deemed the youth fit for interview, but that he had not been assessed at psychiatrist level.

The court ordered an Article 51 Mental Health Assessment, which requires an urgent examination by a consultant psychiatrist. At the most recent hearing, Faloon told the court the assessment had been completed and the youth was found 'currently mentally unfit'.

District Judge Francis Rafferty accepted the youth's mental health is 'presently very fluid' and ruled that he cannot appear in court. It is unclear when he will be fit to do so or how the case will proceed. The court heard this also means the accused is unable to instruct his lawyers, which could affect any future bail application.

The teenager was remanded in continuing custody. The case will be mentioned again at Dungannon Youth Court on October 20, when a psychiatrist is expected to provide an update on his fitness.

On the day of the incident, police initially reported that a child had been seriously assaulted. About an hour later they announced a murder investigation had been launched. They said a male had been arrested, there was no ongoing risk to the public, and no other suspects were being sought.

Mr Djalo was found deceased at the scene. His eight-year-old daughter was seriously injured and received first aid from police officers before being airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where her condition was critical but later stabilised. His wife was also injured, treated in hospital, and discharged the following day.