Temple Street Children's Hospital where the young boy passed away

A 10-year-old boy has died after going into cardiac arrest in Dublin.

It is understood that Maleek Lawal fell ill on Moore Street Mall last Friday, October 7.

The youngster, who was with his mother at the time, had earlier visited a McDonald's restaurant in the Ilac shopping centre and suffered a suspected cardiac arrest at 6.15pm.

He was taken by ambulance to Temple Street Hospital.

SHOCK

Despite the best efforts of medical staff at the children’s hospital, he was subsequently pronounced dead.

Expand Close He had earlier visited the McDonald's restaurant in the Ilac centre / Facebook

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Whatsapp He had earlier visited the McDonald's restaurant in the Ilac centre

Dublin Fire Brigade paramedics and gardaí attended the scene where the young boy had taken ill.

Gardaí from Store Street station are now investigating the incident for the purposes of preparing a report for the Dublin Coroner’s Court.

Maleek was the oldest of three children and lived on Parnell Road, Dolphin’s Barn with his mother and siblings.

The family have lived there for almost a year.

Locals said the community was left devastated by Maleek’s sudden death.

His heart-broken mother and siblings are being comforted by loved ones as they come to terms with Maleek’s tragic loss.

It is understood the family would go to McDonald’s every Friday after school as a treat.

In a statement the restaurant said: "Management and staff wish to extend their deepest sympathies to the family involved.

"As a point of clarification, the company wishes to advise that this tragic incident did not occur in a McDonald’s restaurant."

Maleek's football team have paid tribute to him and cancelled all games this weekend as a mark of respect.

He was due to play his first game for Iveagh Trust FC in the coming days.

Writing on the club's Facebook page, secretary Brendan Darcy said: "We are shocked and deeply saddened at the news of the passing of one of our new players."

He explained that Maleek was just starting out with the club along with his brother.

"Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Maleeks family, friends and clubmates.

As a result all games are OFF this weekend as a mark of respect."

Maleek was in fifth class at St Audoen's National school where he was described today as very "friendly" and "kind".

Support has been offered to Maleek's classmates by the The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).

Online Editors