A GIRL aged eight was stabbed to death when she tried to intervene in an attack at her home in Co Wexford.
The child, named locally as Malikika Al Kattib, received stab wounds to her back and chest at 11.45pm on Sunday and was pronounced dead in Waterford University Hospital a short time after her arrival.
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Sources say the girl was asleep in bed when a commotion erupted downstairs in the house on Upper William Street, New Ross.
She awakened and went to the room to see what was taking place.
Her stunned mum Alish Al Kattib, 31, was stabbed in the chest but her injuries were described as non life-threatening.
The woman, who is formerly from Tramore, Co Waterford and was formerly known as Shannon Kennedy, managed to escape from the house and raise the alarm.
Malikika, who tried to intervene and save her mum, received a number of fatal stab wounds to her chest and back.
Her dad, Mohammad Shakir, 34 — who was also injured and is understood to be originally from Kuwait — and her mum were rushed by ambulance to University Hospital Wexford where they are being treated for injuries described as non life-threatening.
Paramedics who were quickly on the scene treated the girl before rushing her to Waterford University Hospital where medics fought to save her life.
She sadly passed away and was pronounced dead at 12.45am.
Wexford County Council member Michael Sheehan, a native of New Ross, said: “The community is absolutely numbed by the news of the child’s death in such tragic circumstances.
“I grew up in the William Street area and know for certain the community will rally around and support the family.
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“This is an area where everyone knows each other and this family was part of the community. Everyone is shocked and a cloud is hanging over New Ross today.
“It is particularly difficult news that a young child has died, especially at this time of the year when trees have been decorated and Christmas lights are on.
“The families living in William Street and surrounding areas are multi-generational, with all the kindness and generosity that brings, so they will be there to help and support this family.
“It is also a very difficult time for the girl’s teachers and classmates — indeed for all the pupils attending her school. It is a very difficult thing to try to explain to young children. Our thoughts and prayers are for the child and with her heartbroken family”.
HOUSE SEALED OFF
Gardai also responded to the emergency call and are currently investigating the horrific incident.
The local coroner and the State Pathologist’s Office were notified of the tragedy.
A post-mortem will be carried out by a State Pathologist and the results will determine the course of the garda investigation.
On Monday the house was sealed off for a forensic investigation by the Garda Technical Bureau.
DOOR-TO-DOOR ENQUIRIES
Gardai are appealing for any witnesses and are asking anyone with knowledge regarding the incident to contact them.
Door-to-door enquiries are underway and officers are seeking any door camera footage or CCTV from residents and businesses in the area.
Gardai said investigating officers “are following a definite line of enquiry and are not looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation”.
Upper William Street is located near one of the town’s most iconic and oldest public houses — the Three Bullet Gate Bar which sits across from the monument An Bearna Baoil (The Gap of Danger) which is commemorated in the Irish National Anthem and other poems and songs.
LOCAL SADNESS
It’s understood the tragic couple and their child had lived happily in the area for some time.
Locals expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy that unfolded in their area.
A garda statement read: “Gardai are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the death of a girl following a fatal assault at a domestic residence in New Ross, Co Wexford on Sunday, December 1. Gardai and emergency services attended the scene at 11.45pm.
“The girl was then taken to University Hospital Waterford for treatment. She passed away from her injuries in the early hours.
“A woman and man (30s) are receiving treatment at University Hospital Wexford.
“Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The scene remains preserved for forensic examination.”