A man has been arrested in relation to the fatal stabbing of eight-year-old Malika Noor Al Katib in Co Wexford on Sunday.
The man, aged in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Tuesday afternoon.
Due to misinformation circulating about the killing, including content spread by far-right agitators on social media, Garda sources said nobody who was applying for international protection in the State, or who had ever applied, was linked to the case. They added there was also no racial component to the incident.
The dead girl’s mother is an Irish woman (31), originally from Tramore, Co Waterford, who converted to Islam. Her father is originally from the Middle East and is a long-term resident in Europe. Both of Malika’s parents sustained wounds in the incident at their family home in New Ross late on Sunday night.
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The alarm was raised via an emergency services call, at about 11.45pm, from inside the property on William Street. The caller reported that several people had suffered knife wounds, leading to the Garda’s Armed Support Unit (ASU) being dispatched to the scene.
When the ASU members arrived, they administered emergency treatment to the girl before she was taken to hospital by paramedics. However, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at University Hospital Waterford.
She is believed to have sustained more than one wound, though precisely how she was injured remained under investigation. Sources said Malika may have tried to intervene and help her mother during the incident.
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Garda technical experts remained at the property on William Street on Tuesday.
New Ross Educate Together National School confirmed Malika was one of its pupils, with principal Therese White saying the school had put in place measures to support students and staff.
“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 said.
Ms White said staff from the National Educational Psychological Service had been “with us all day supporting and advising teachers in their efforts to assist students at this time”.
Imam Rashid Munir told RTÉ radio’s News at One that members of the local Muslim community were devastated by the news. “It is really heartbreaking thing for our community because I personally know that girl. She used to come to our Islamic Centre in Waterford. A lovely child, a beautiful girl, full of life, full of energy,” he said.
Imam Munir said he was speaking to Malika’s mother, who was “not in good shape at the moment” and remembered the schoolgirl as a “very smiley” child. “She had a lot of interest in learning about Islam, learning about the religion. She wanted to be like a good part of society. She always wanted to be connected with something extraordinary. But this thing happened. So it’s very heartbreaking.”
Meanwhile, a book of condolences has been set up in New Ross to allow members of the public to pay their respects.
“My thoughts are very much with Malika who so tragically lost her life and her family that have been affected. I hope they will get some comfort in the coming weeks and months from the support from the local community,” said Fine Gael councillor Brídín Murphy.
Tributes were paid locally with one woman saying “our hearts are broken for the child. I am unable to find words to offer you”.
Another local said: “All one can say is the whole community are with the family right now at this very difficult time. It’s a real tragedy for the town.”
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