A Garda car(Image: Getty Images)

Eight-year-old stabbed in Wexford died while protecting her mother from a late-night knife attack

03 Dec 2024, 08:35 by Michael O'TooleCrime Correspondent · RSVP Live

An eight-year-old who died in the early hours of yesterday morning in New Ross, Co Wexford died protecting her mother from a knife attack, it has been reported.

Sources told The Irish Mirror that tragic Malikika Al Katib, 8, was allegedly stabbed when she realised her mother was being attacked with a knife at their home in New Ross, Co Wexford late on Sunday night and tried to help her.

But the assailant is believed to have then turned the weapon on the little girl and stabbed her at least twice. A source said: “She realised her mum was being attacked and went to try to help her as much as a young child can."

Malikika, whose mother Alisha is an Irish-born convert to Islam, received serious injuries in the suspected attack at the family home on William Street in the town. Paramedics fought to save her at the scene, before she was rushed to University Hospital Waterford – where she lost her fight for life early on Monday morning.

Malikika's mother Alisha, who is 31, was also stabbed in the incident and was being treated for her injuries at the same hospital on Monday night. Sources say she is expected to fully recover from her injuries. A man who is in his 30s was also found with minor knife injuries at the scene – and he was also in University Hospital Waterford on Monday night.

Sources say members of the Garda Armed Support were guarding that man as a suspect on Monday night – and detectives are set to speak to him as early as Tuesday. Gardaí say they are not looking for anyone else over the incident - which has shocked the Co Wexford town.

It’s understood the suspect is from the Middle East but has been living in New Ross for several years. Members of the Garda Public Order Unit were also at the hospital on Monday night.

Sources say the horror began at around 11.45pm on Sunday night at the family home on Lower William Street in the town. Gardaí believe Ms Al Katib was being allegedly attacked by a man wielding a knife and when little Malikika realised this, she ran downstairs to intervene. The little child was then allegedly stabbed herself, as was Ms Al Katib.

Gardai from the Armed Support Unit – which is called to all stabbing incidents – rushed to the scene and found the mother and daughter injured, as well as the man. All three were taken to University Hospital Waterford, where Malikika later died.

New Ross Educate Together National School, where Malikika was a student, said it had implemented its critical incident management plan – and was receiving help from health experts.

Principal Theresa White said: “We learned this morning of the death of a student who attends our school. 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. We would ask you to respect our privacy at this difficult time.”

Local politicians also reacted to the death of Malikika. Independent councillor Michael Sheehan told The Irish Mirror that he had normal dealings with Ms Al Katib, who was injured in the incident. He said the community in central New Ross was horrified by the child’s death.

“Everyone is just numbed by what has happened. If it happens to one of us in New Ross, it happens to all of us. The area where it happened is very tight knit. The whole community is absolutely shocked.”

Mr Sheehan said he knew the woman who was injured in the incident and had previous dealings with her. He said: “It was just standard run of the mill constituency work – there were no problems at all. She always seemed in good spirits- she was just doing her best like everyone else.”

The scene was still sealed off on Monday night and detectives from the Garda Technical Bureau were examining the area. Gardaí appealed for witnesses to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “Gardaí are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a girl following a fatal assault at a domestic residence in New Ross, Co. Wexford on Sunday, 1st December, 2024. Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene at approximately 11.45pm.

“The girl was taken to University Hospital Waterford for treatment. She passed away from her injuries in the early hours of this morning. 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. “The Coroner has been notified and the Garda Technical Bureau and Office of the State Pathologist have been requested to assist in the investigation. A post-mortem examination will be scheduled. A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at New Ross Garda Station.

"Investigating Gardaí 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.”