Heartbreaking first picture of girl, 8, killed trying to stop attack on mum as man, 34, arrested
THIS is the heartbreaking first picture of tragic Malika Noor Al Katib who was fatally stabbed at her Wexford home.
A 34-year-old man was earlier arrested in connection with her murder.
The brave schoolgirl received fatal stab wounds to her back and chest when she tried to intervene in an attack on Upper William Street, New Ross at around 11.45pm on Sunday night.
The young girl was rushed to Waterford University Hospital by paramedics but her injuries were too severe and she was pronounced dead at 12.45am on Monday morning.
Her 31-year-old mum Alish Al Katib suffered stab wounds to her chest, which were not life-threatening.
The 34-year-old male was released from Waterford University Hospital in the early hours of this morning and was arrested by waiting Gardai.
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He was taken to New Ross Garda Station where questioning began after he rested.
Gardai said they were following a definite line of enquiry and were not looking for anyone else in connection with their enquiries.
A spokesperson said: "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.
"A male, aged in his 30s has been released from hospital and arrested on suspicion of murder.
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"He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region.
"Investigating Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have any information on this fatal assault to come forward."
According to sources, the schoolgirl was asleep in her bed when a commotion erupted downstairs in the house at Upper William Street.
She awakened and went to the room where the noise was coming from.
Her mum Alish, who is formerly from Tramore, Co Waterford and a convert to the Muslim faith, was stabbed in the chest but she managed to escape from the house and raise the alarm.
Meanwhile Malika, who tried to intervene and save her mum, received a number of stab wounds to her chest and back, which proved fatal.
Imam Rashid Munir, imam of the Waterford Al-Munir Islamic Centre, said the community had been left in shock.
He said it's hoped that little Malika can be buried today or tomorrow, in line with Muslim tradition.
He told RTE Radio One's News at One: "The community are all in pain, they are all in shock. They all want to say a good goodbye to Malika."
MUM'S PAIN
He said while Malika's mum's injuries are not life-threatening, "she is not in a good condition" after the loss of her daughter.
Wexford County Council member Michael Sheehan, a native of New Ross said: "The community is absolutely numbed by the news of the child’s death in such tragic circumstances.
“I grew up in the Williams Street area and I know for certain the community will rally around and support the family.
"This is an area where everyone knows each other and this family was part of the community. They were active in many different activities.
“Everyone is just shocked and a cloud is hanging over New Ross today.
Malika attended New Ross Educate Together primary school, where both teachers and pupils are receiving counselling to help them cope with the loss of a friend and much-loved pupil.
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A Garda spokesperson said: "Gardai 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."