An imam has said it’s been “a heartbreaking time for our community” as a man (34) was arrested on suspicion of murdering an eight-year-old girl at her home in Co Wexford.
Malika Al Katib died after she was stabbed while attempting to defend her mother in an attack at their home in New Ross on Sunday night.
A man, aged in his 30s, was released from hospital today and arrested on suspicion of murder. He is the only suspect in the case.
Malika’s mother remains in hospital.
Girl who died after stabbing at Wexford home was trying to protect woman
The imam of the Waterford Al-Munir Islamic Centre, Rashid Munir, said he has spoken with Malika’s mother, whom he said was “not in very good shape at the moment”.
He told RTÉ: “She witnessed her child being murdered in front of her eyes and that is not easy.”
Imam Munir added that while the woman’s injuries are “not life-threatening”, “she is not in a good condition”.
For a mother to have lost a child, he said, “it’s not easy to bear with that”.
He added that he hoped the burial would take place today or tomorrow, at the latest, in line with Muslim tradition.
“Once we get the full report, the body will be released and given over for us to do the washing and burial, as is instructed by the Muslim faith. She will be laid to rest in the Muslim graveyard in Waterford, hopefully tomorrow,” he said.
Imam Munir described Malika as a lovely child and a “beautiful” girl who was full of life and energy.
“She used to come to our Islamic centre. She was a lovely child who was full of energy and life. Since the news broke we are all very heartbroken,” he said.
“She was like any eight-year-old. She was extremely smiley and showed a lot of interest in learning about Islam and did very well in her studies. She wanted to be integrated in the community and do something extraordinary.”
The suspect in the murder, who is originally from Kuwait, was released from hospital before noon today and brought to a garda station in Wexford.
He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a garda station in the eastern region.
Garda at the scene in New Ross (Cillian Sherlock/PA)
The schoolgirl was at home in New Ross with her mother when the incident happened on Sunday night.
It is understood that she had attempted to intervene when her mother was attacked by a man known to them.
She was taken to University Hospital Waterford but died from her injuries in the early hours of Monday.
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, gardai said.
A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the inquiry and an incident room has been set up at New Ross Garda Station.
Officers are appealing to anyone who may have any information to come forward.
“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.
“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).
“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.”