A mum whose eight-year-old daughter was ‘stabbed to death while trying to protect her’ in reportedly in a ‘bad way’.
Malika Noor Al Katib is believed to have stepped in to attempt to help her mother at their home in Co Wexford, Ireland, on Sunday evening. The knifeman is then alleged to have then turned the weapon on the schoolgirl, stabbing her at least twice.
Malika was rushed to University Hospital Waterford, but she tragically died on Monday morning. Her funeral is set to take place later today.
Emergency services found Malikika, her mother, Alisha Al Katib, 31, and a man injured. The mirror reports sources saying the mum is expected to make a full recovery.
Imam Rashid Munir of the Waterford Al-Munir Islamic Centre said he had spoken with Malika’s mother who is “not in very good shape at the moment”.
He told RTÉ: “She witnessed her child being murdered in front of her eyes and that is not easy.”
Speaking about Malikika he added: “She was like any eight-year-old. She was extremely smiley and showed a lot of interest in learning about Islam and did very well in her studies. She wanted to be integrated in the community and do something extraordinary.”
Last night a man in his 30s was being questioned over the murder of Malika in a Garda station in Co Wexford.
New Ross Educate Together National School, where Malikika attended, declared a critical incident with help from health experts. Principal Theresa White said: “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.”
Detectives from the Garda Technical Bureau were on scene into Monday evening. A police 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.”
Gardaí yesterday confirmed a man had been arrested as part of the Malika murder probe. A spokeswoman 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 post-mortem 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.
“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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