A 34-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of eight-year-old Malika Al Kattib, who was stabbed when she attempted to defend her mother at her home.
The suspect had been treated at Waterford University Hospital for suspected self-inflicted stab wounds which are described as “superficial in nature”.
The murder victim’s 31-year-old mother continues to receive medical treatment for her stab injuries, which are described as non-life threatening.
The suspect, who is originally from Kuwait, was released from hospital before noon and brought to a a garda station in Wexford.
He is the only suspect in the case.
Girl who died after stabbing at Wexford home was trying to protect woman
“Gardaí continue to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding the death of an eight year old girl following a fatal assault at a residence in New Ross, Co. Wexford on Sunday 1st December, 2024,” a garda spokeswoman said in a statement.
“The post mortem examination which was conducted by State Pathologist, Dr. Sally Anne Collis took place yesterday Monday 2nd December, 2024 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.
“Investigating gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have any information on this fatal assault 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,” she added.
Gardaí and emergency services were called to the property in the William Street area at around 11.45pm on Sunday.
Michael Sheehan, independent councillor in New Ross, said the community had been left devastated by the death.
“People are very shocked that this has happened in our community,” he said.
“All of our thoughts and prayers are with the young girl and her family.
“We hope that they will get some comfort over the coming weeks and months from the support from the local community, who will do whatever they can.
“It’s an awful tragedy that has befallen our community.
“William Street is a tight-knit community with a strong sense of solidarity, so they will help and do everything they can.
“People are so aghast this has happened, particularly as everyone will be putting up Christmas trees in what was meant to be a happy time.
“This has really shocked the town and there is a feeling of numbness.”
Mr Sheehan sits on the board of the school which the young girl attended.
“The girl attended the local Educate Together, which is a very close-knit school,” he said.
“The principal and staff there are brilliant and they will have access to all the support they need to navigate the choppy waters ahead.
“I’ve every faith they can handle this, but it is so hard for them as everyone gets ready for Christmas.
“Today is a difficult day and people are asking how could this happen in our community.”
Therese White, principal of New Ross Educate Together National School, which the girl attended, said it 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.”
Local resident Pat Rossiter said: “I couldn’t believe it that something like that should happen in this town.
“Obviously hearing the breaking news, the details were very vague, but then my wife said she saw the lights of the emergency services passing by the house around 11.45 pm last night.
“It’s shocking to have lost a young life in our town. It’s incredible.
“I’m looking at the scene right now and it’s something you see on television.
“You’d never imagine for a second of a situation like this being in your own hometown, and here it is.
“It’s just devastating and it’s a terrible, terrible loss.”