Garda at the scene in New Ross, Co Wexford, after a girl died following an assault at a house(Image: Cillian Sherlock/PA Wire)

Gardai hope to speak to man injured in New Ross stabbing incident in which girl, 8, died as early as today

by · Irish Mirror

Gardai hope to speak to the man injured in the stabbing incident that claimed the life of tragic Malika Al Katib as early as today.

Sources say gardai are keen to speak to the man, who is in his 30s, and who has been in hospital ever since the horror incident in New Ross, Co Wexford on Sunday night.

The man, who is a foreign national, sustained superficial knife injuries in the incident, which happened at a property on William Street in the town just before midnight.

READ MORE - Little girl tragically stabbed in Wexford died while protecting her mother from a late-night knife attack

READ MORE - School comforting pupils following fatal stabbing of girl, 8, in Wexford

Malika’s mother, Alisha Al Katib, 31, was also injured in the incident.

She and the man are being treated for knife wounds in University Hospital Waterford.

Neither is in danger and sources say the man’s injuries are less serious than those suffered by Irish native Ms Al Katib.

Officers from the Garda Armed Support Unit have maintained a presence at the hospital and detectives from New Ross probing the death of Malika are set to speak to the man.

It’s understood that, depending on his medical condition, gardai could get the green light to speak with him as early as this morning.

Gardai are still probing the incident that shocked the Co Wexford town.

Tribute left at the scene in New Ross(Image: Mick O'Neill)

But sources say gardai believe Mailika was stabbed when she went to protect her mother at their home.

Sources told The Irish Mirror that tragic Malika Al Katib, 8, was stabbed when she tried to help her mother.

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, a student at the New Ross Educate Together National School, received knife injuries in the incident.

She, along with her mother and the man, was rushed to hospital in Waterford, but she lost her fight for life early on Monday.

Gardai forensics teams arrive at the scene in New Ross(Image: Mick O'Neill)

School Principal Theresa White said pupils and staff were deeply saddened by her death.

She said on Monday: "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 scene in New Ross were a young child was found dead and two adults were taken into hospital(Image: Mick O'Neill)

Gardai 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."

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