Man, 34, arrested on suspicion of murder after girl, 8, killed trying to intervene in knife attack on mum
A MAN who was discharged from hospital early this morning has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of an eight-year-old girl who was fatally stabbed at her house.
Brave little Malika Noor Al Katib received fatal stab wounds to her back and chest when she tried to intervene in an attack on Upper William Street, New Ross, County Wexford at around 11.45pm on Sunday night.
The young girl was rushed to Waterford University Hospital by paramedics but her injuries were too severe and she was pronounced dead at 12.45am on Monday morning.
Her 31-year-old mum Alish Al Katib suffered stab wounds to her chest, which were not life-threatening.
The 34-year-old male was released from Waterford University Hospital in the early hours of this morning and was arrested by waiting Gardai.
He was taken to New Ross Garda Station where questioning began after he rested.
Gardai said they were following a definite line of enquiry and were not looking for any other persons in connection with their enquiries.
A spokesperson said: "The post mortem examination which was conducted by State Pathologist Dr Sally Anne Collis took place yesterday, the results of which will not be released for operational reasons.
"A male, aged in his 30s has been released from hospital and arrested on suspicion of Murder.
"He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region.
Most read in Irish News
"Investigating Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have any information on this fatal assault to come forward."
According to sources, the schoolgirl was asleep in her bed when a commotion erupted downstairs in the house at Upper William Street.
She awakened and went to the room where the noise was coming from.
Her mum Alish, who is formerly from Tramore, Co Waterford and a convert to the Muslim faith, was stabbed in the chest but she managed to escape from the house and raise the alarm.
Meanwhile Malikka, who tried to intervene and save her mum, received a number of stab wounds to her chest and back, which proved fatal.
Gardai responded to the emergency call and are investigating the horrific incident.
SCENE SEALED OFF
The local coroner and the State Pathologists office were notified of the tragedy.
A post mortem was carried out by a State Pathologist and the results will determine the course of the Garda investigation.
The house has been sealed off for a thorough forensic investigation by members of the Garda Technical Bureau.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses and are asking for anyone with knowledge regarding the incident to contact them.
Door to door enquiries are underway and officers are seeking any door cam footage or CCTV footage from residents and businesses in the area.
Upper William Street is a well established and a respectable area of the town.
COMMUNITY 'NUMBED
Locals expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy that unfolded in their area.
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 Williams Street area and I know for certain the community will rally around and support the family.
"This is an area where everyone knows each other and this family was part of the community. They were active in many different activities.
“Everyone is just shocked and a cloud is hanging over New Ross today.
Malikka attended New Ross Educate Together primary school where both teachers and pupils are receiving counselling to help them cope with the loss of a friend and much loved pupil.
Read More on The Sun
A Garda spokesperson said: "Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have any information on this incident to come forward.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426 030, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111 or any Garda Station."
