Schoolgirl, eight, ‘stabbed to loss of life as she tried to guard her mom throughout late-night assault’ at residence in Ireland

A young girl died who died at home was reportedly killed as she tried to protect her mother from a late-night knife attack. 

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene of a fatal assault at house in New Ross, County Wexford in Ireland at around 11.45pm on Sunday.

Eight-year-old Malikika Al Katib has been named locally as the victim, and was allegedly stabbed when she realised her mother was being attacked. 

It is believed the knifeman then turned the weapon on the little girl – and stabbed her at least twice.

She was rushed to University Hospital Waterford – where she died on Monday morning. 

A woman and man in their 30s are receiving treatment at University Hospital Wexford. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. 

The scene remains cordoned off to the public as detectives continue to investigate. 

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to come forward. 

The scene at Willam street in New Ross where an eight-year-old girl was assaulted and subsequently died

The Irish Mirror reported that the attack began on Sunday night at the family home.

Malikika’s mother Alisha Al Katib was allegedly attacked with a knife and her daughter rushed downstairs to help her.

The child was then allegedly stabbed, as was her mother.

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.’ 

Malikika, her mother and the man were all taken to hospital, but the child later died from her injuries. 

Malikika’s school New Ross Educate Together National School said it had implemented its critical incident management plan and is receiving help from experts. 

Principal Theresa White said the death is a terrible tragedy for the family, the school and the community and gave her sympathies to Malikika’s family and friends.

Local politicians also spoke of their shock, Independent councillor Michael Sheehan said he had normal dealings with Ms Al Katib.

Gardaí have cordoned off the area in New Ross while detectives are investigating the scene

He said: ‘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.’

Fellow councillor John Dwyer said the community was shocked by the girl’s death and said it was the sort of thing that doesn’t happen in a town like New Ross.

A Gardaí 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, December 1, 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. 

Forensics teams have been at the scene where Malikika and her mother were allegedly assaulted

‘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.’