Girl, 8, died while protecting her mother from knife attack

An eight-year-old girl was killed as she tried to protect her mother from a knifeman, it is believed. Malika Al Katib was stabbed when she rushed to help her mother who was being attacked at their home, according to sources.

The incident took place in the Irish town of New Ross, Co Wexford on Sunday evening (December 1). Sources say that the little girl was trying to help her mother but the suspected knifeman turned the weapon on her, stabbing her at least twice.

Speaking about the horrific incident, a source said: “She realised her mum was being attacked and went to try to help her as much as a young child can."

Local police (Gardaí) have arrested a man, in his 30s, as they continue to investigate her death. The male has been 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.

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CorkLive reports that Malika, whose mother Alisha is an Irish-born convert to Islam, received serious injuries in the horror attack at the family home on William Street in the town. Paramedics fought to save her at the scene, before she was rushed to University Hospital Waterford – where she lost her fight for life early on Monday morning.

Malika's mother Alisha, who is 31, was also stabbed in the incident and was being treated for her injuries at the same hospital on Monday night. Sources say she is expected to fully recover from her injuries. 

Sources say the horror began at around 11.45pm on Sunday night at the family home on Lower William Street in the town. Gardaí believe Ms Al Katib was being allegedly attacked by a man wielding a knife and