Schoolgirl, 8, dies after ‘trying to protect mum from knife attack at home’

An eight-year-old girl has tragically lost her life while heroically attempting to save her mother from a brutal knife assault in their home. The courageous young girl was fatally wounded as she dashed downstairs to confront the attacker who had turned on her mother with a knife in their New Ross residence, Co Wexford, Ireland.

According to The Irish Mirror, the assailant then directed his violence towards Malikika Al Katib, stabbing her multiple times. A source revealed: “She realised her mum was being attacked and went to try to help her as much as a young child can.” Despite the paramedics’ desperate efforts at the William Street family home, Malikika succumbed to her grave injuries at University Hospital Waterford on Monday morning.

The dreadful episode unfolded shortly before midnight on Sunday, with Gardai from the Armed Support Unit arriving to discover the injured Malikika, her 31 year old mother Alisha Al Katib, and the man involved. All three were rushed to University Hospital Waterford, where Malikika was pronounced dead a short while after.

Sources indicate that her mother is on the mend and expected to recover fully, reports The Mirror.

The profound sorrow at New Ross Educate Together National School is palpable after the distressing demise of young Malikika. Principal Theresa White expressed her heartbreak, stating: “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.”

She revealed that the school has triggered its Critical Incident Management Plan with support from psychological experts, asserting: “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.”

Amidst unfolding investigations, Garda Technical Bureau detectives remained on site through Monday evening, maintaining a cordon as inquiries continue.

Confirming the situation, a representative disclosed details about the ongoing investigation: “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.”