Schoolgirl, 8, dies after being 'stabbed in the neck while protecting her mother' as fight with 'intruder' spilled onto street
3 December 2024, 10:45
An eight-year-old girl has died after she was stabbed in the neck 'while protecting her mother' during a knife-fight at the family home.
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Malika Al Katib suffered fatal injuries after getting caught up in the altercation on Sunday evening, which saw the violence spill out onto the street in New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland.
The schoolgirl sustained the injuries outside a house on William Street, with her family now said to be "inconsolable".
The incident occurred at around 11.45pm on Sunday, with locals carrying out first aid unit paramedics arrived.
Gardai from the Armed Support Unit were present at the scene and found Malikika, her mother, Alisha Al Katib, 31, and the man injured.
All three were taken to nearby University Hospital Waterford, were the schoolgirl later died from her injuries.
According to sources close to the investigation, the man involved in the incident then attempted to "end his life but was unsuccessful".
He is now reportedly being treated for his injuries in hospital under armed guard.
Security sources reportedly told the Mail Online: "From what gardaí know at this stage, Malika had been staying with her aunt and her cousins for a couple of days.
"She didn't want to go back on Sunday but her mother said she had to as she had school in the morning.
"Gardaí know there was an altercation between a man and a woman and that the child tried to intervene at some point to help her mother.
"She then got caught up in the row and was stabbed in the neck. This happened in front of the mother so you can only imagine what she witnessed.
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"The man then tried to end his life but was unsuccessful. At this stage, he is being treated for his injuries but there are armed gardaí at the hospital."
"Gardaí were being kept on standby at the hospital last night in case there was any threat to his security.
"Gardaí will wait until the man is fit to be interviewed but they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident,' the source added.
"Gardaí are also following a definite line of inquiry in relation to the matter and are not looking for anyone else in relation to this crime," the force added.
The coroner has now been notified, with the Garda Technical Bureau and Office of the State Pathologist called in to assist in the investigation.
Gardaí said a post mortem examination will be scheduled.
Therese White, principal of New Ross Educate Together National School, said the pupil's death was a "terrible tragedy".
"We learned this morning of the death of a student who attends our school," she said in a statement.
"This is a terrible tragedy for the family, our school and our community. We are deeply saddened by these events. Our sympathy and thoughts are with family and friends.
"The school has implemented our critical incident management plan and we are in receipt of support from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
"They have been with us all day supporting and advising teachers in their efforts to assist students at this time. Our teachers are helping students to deal with this tragic event.
"We will be sharing information with parents today around how they can support their children at this difficult time.'
