Girl, 8, stabbed to death as she tried to save her mum from knife attack at home

An eight-year-old has died after rushing to protect her mother during a vicious knife attack at their family home, it is believed. Malikaka Al Katib, 8, had been at home when she was allegedly stabbed after realising that her mum was being attacked with knife, sources have claimed.

Malikaka had gone to help her mum at their home in New Ross, Co Wexford, Ireland, late on Sunday night. However, the attacker is believed to have then turned the knife on the little girl. A source told the Irish Mirror: “She realised her mum was being attacked and went to try to help her as much as a young child can."

The eight-year-old sustained serious injuries in the alleged attack. Paramedics arrived and rushed her to University Hospital Waterford where she sadly died on Monday morning, the Irish Mirror reports.

READ MORE: Terrified residents woken 'by car revving' before suspected double stabbing

Malikaka's mother Alisha, an Irish convert to Islam, was also stabbed in the incident. She was treated for her injuries at University Hospital Waterford on Monday night and is expected to make a full recovery.

A man in his 30s was also discovered at the scene with minor injuries. He also received treatment at University Hospital Waterford.

Sources have said that members of the Garda Armed Support had been accompanying the man in hospital as a suspect on Monday night. Gardaí [Irish police] have said that they are not currently looking for anybody else in relation to the incident. The Garda Public Order Unit was also present at the hospital on Monday night.

Sources have said that the attack allegedly began at about 11.45pm on Sunday night at the family home. Gardaí think 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 Ms Al Katib.

The Armed Support Unit, which is called to every stabbing incident, arrived at the scene to find Malikaka and her mother both injured. The pair as well as the man were taken to hospital.

Malikaka was a pupil at New Ross Educate Together National School. Following the incident, the school said that is has implemented its critical incident management plan and is receiving support 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.”

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 Gardaí have 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.”