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 previously arrested in connection with her murder.
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Tragic Malika Noor Al Katib died in hospital from her injuries
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Man, 34, arrested in connection with girl’s murderCredit: PA
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Gardai are not looking for anyone else in connection with the girl’s deathCredit: PA
The brave schoolgirl suffered fatal stab wounds to her back and chest when she tried to intervene in the attack in Upper William Street, New Ross, at around 11.45pm on Sunday night.
The young girl was rushed to University Hospital Waterford by paramedics, but her injuries were too severe and she was pronounced dead at 12.45am on Monday morning.
Her 31-year-old mother, Alish Al Katib, suffered non-life-threatening stab wounds to her chest.
A 34-year-old man was released from University Hospital Waterford in the early hours of this morning and was arrested by Gardai.
He was taken to New Ross Garda Station where questioning began after he had rested.
Gardai said they were following a specific line of inquiry and were not looking for anyone else in connection with their enquiries.
A spokesman said: “A post-mortem examination carried out by State Pathologist Dr Sally Anne Collis took place yesterday and the results will not be released for operational reasons.
“A 30-year-old man was released from the hospital and arrested on suspicion of murder.
“He is currently being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in the Eastern Region.
“Gardai investigating are appealing for anyone with any information about this fatal attack to come forward.”
According to sources, the schoolgirl was asleep in her bed when the commotion broke out on the ground floor of the house in Upper William Street.
She woke up and went to the room where the noise was coming from.
Her mother Alish, who is formerly of Tramore, Co Waterford and a Muslim convert, was stabbed in the chest but managed to escape the house and raise the alarm.
Meanwhile, Malika, who tried to intervene and save her mother, received a series of stab wounds to the chest and back, which were fatal.
Imam Rashid Munir, imam of Waterford Al-Munir Islamic Centre, said the community was left in shock.
He said he hoped little Malika would be buried today or tomorrow, in accordance with Muslim tradition.
He told RTE Radio One’s News at One: “The whole community is in pain, everyone is in shock. Everyone wants to say goodbye to Malika.”
MOMMY HURTS
He said that while Malika’s mother’s injuries were not life-threatening, “she is not in a good state” after losing her daughter.
Wexford County Councilor Michael Sheehan, from New Ross, said: “The community is absolutely rocked by the news of a child’s death in such tragic circumstances.
“I grew up in the Williams Street neighborhood and I’m sure the community will come together and support the family.
“This is a neighborhood where everyone knows each other and this family was part of the community. They were active in various activities.
“Everyone is just shocked and a cloud has come over New Ross today.
Malika attended New Ross Educate Together Elementary School, where both teachers and students receive counseling to help them cope with the loss of a friend and beloved student.
A Garda spokesman said: “Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have any information about 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.”
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Source: HIS Education