Girl, 8, stabbed to death at family home after trying to save her mum

An eight-year-old girl has died after heroically attempting to defend her mother during a brutal knife attack at their home. Malikika Al Katib, aged 8, was reportedly stabbed when she intervened after realising her mother was being attacked with a knife.

The courageous young girl, Malikaka, rushed to aid her mother at their residence in New Ross, Co Wexford, Ireland, on Sunday night, December 1. It is believed that the attacker then turned the knife on Malikika.

A source disclosed to the Irish Mirror: "She realised her mum was being attacked and went to try to help her as much as a young child can."

Malikaka sustained serious injuries and was rushed to University Hospital Waterford by emergency services. She tragically passed away on Monday morning ,reports the Manchester Evening News.

The victim's mother, Alisha, who is an Irish convert to Islam, also suffered stab wounds in the incident. She received medical attention at University Hospital Waterford on Monday night and is expected to make a full recovery. A man in his 30s was found at the scene with minor injuries and was treated at the same hospital.

It has been reported that members of the Garda Armed Support Unit were monitoring the man in the hospital as a suspect on Monday night. The Gardai [Irish police] have announced that they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.

The Garda Public Order Unit was also present at the hospital on Monday night. Sources claim that the tragic incident began around 11.45pm on Sunday at the family residence, where Gardai suspect that Ms Al Katib was allegedly being attacked by a man with a knife.

When Malikaka realised this, she allegedly ran downstairs to try and give any help she could. Then the eight-year-old was reportedly herself stabbed, along with her mother.

Upon arrival at the distressing scene, the Armed Support Unita team discovered both Malikaka and her mother wounded. The pair as well as the man were taken to hospital.

Malikaka, who attended New Ross Educate Together National School, left the school community mourning. In response to her death, school said that it is actively deploying its critical incident management strategy, receiving guidance from health authorities.

School Principal Theresa White shared: "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."

Principal White further noted the school's concerted effort to support all affected individuals, saying: "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."

The news of Malikaka's death has been met with horror by local politicians. Independent councillor Michael Sheehan said the community had been left devastated.

He told the Irish Mirror: "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 knew Ms Al Katib through "run of the mill constituency work". He said: "There were no problems at all. She always seemed in good spirits- she was just doing her best like everyone else."

Another independent councillor John Dwyer said: "New Ross is a tight-knit community. Everybody knows everyone else. I had lots of people on to me this morning asking me if I knew what happened, but there are not many details out yet.

"Everybody is really shocked. This sort of thing just does not happen in a town like New Ross."

A cordon was still in place at the scene on Monday night. Detectives from the Garda Technical Bureau were examining the scene, and Gardai have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

A police spokesperson said: "Gardai 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. Gardai 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.

"Gardai investigating the incident are appealing to anyone who may have any information 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."