Pictured: Little Malika Noor Al Katib, 8, who died as she tried to save her mother from late night attack
Malika is believed to have rushed downstairs when she realised her mother was being attacked in New Ross
This is tragic Malika Al Katib - who died after a stabbing incident in New Ross, Wexford.
It was released with permission of her family as it emerged that gardai have arrested a man for questioning over her death.
The man, who is in his 30s, was arrested by detectives this afternoon. He is being held on suspicion of murdering Malika, 8, at her home in New Ross, Co Wexford on Sunday night.
The man was arrested after he was discharged from University Hospital Waterford, where he had been receiving medical treatment after he was found with knife wounds at the house on William Street.
Sources told The Irish Mirror that tragic Malika 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.
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But a knifeman 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."
Malika, 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.
A garda spokesperson said: “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.
“The postmortem 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.”
And she appealed again for witnesses to come forward. She said: “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. This investigation is ongoing.”
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