An eight-year-old from Ireland is being remembered as a 'lovely child' and 'a beautiful girl' after she was fatally stabbed in an attack at her family's home.
Malika Noor Al Katib, from Wexford, lost her life on Sunday (1 December), after emergency services were called to the property on a report that several people had suffered knife wounds.
Authorities administered emergency treatment to Malika when they arrived at the scene and she was transported to hospital by paramedics, but she was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the facility.
Malika's mother, a 31-year-old Irish woman who converted to Islam, and a man in his 30s received treatment after the incident at University Hospital Wexford.
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After being released from hospital, a man involved in the incident was arrested.
The eight-year-old is now being remembered by members of the local Muslim community, with Imam Rashid Munir telling RTÉ radio her death was a 'heartbreaking thing for [the] community'.
"I personally know that girl," he continued. "She used to come to our Islamic Centre in Waterford. A lovely child, a beautiful girl, full of life, full of energy."
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Imam Munir told the station that Malika's mother was 'not in good shape' following the death of her daughter, who he also described as 'very smiley'.
“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," he said.
Therese White, principal of Malika's school, described the incident as a 'terrible tragedy' and said the school had implemented its critical incident management plan.
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"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," she said.
“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.”
The incident remains under investigation and a post-mortem examination has been conducted by State Pathologist Dr Sally Anne Collis yesterday, however, police said the results will not be released for operational reasons.
Police are yet to confirm a motive for the attack. However, sources cited by the Irish Times have suggested that Malika may have suffered her injuries as she tried to intervene and help her mother as the attack took place.
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The suspect in the case was arrested on Tuesday (December 3) on suspicion of murder. Police are now appealing to anyone who may have any information to come forward.
Emily Brown