Malikika Al Kattib Obituary, Death; 8-Year-Old Girl Dies While Trying to Save Her Mom; Reports

Malikika Al Kattib Obituary, Death; – An 8-year-old girl in Ireland has tragically lost her life while attempting to protect her mother from a knife attack, as reported by various sources.

On Sunday, December 1, at approximately 11:45 p.m. local time, the Gardaí (Irish police) and emergency services responded to “a fatal assault at a domestic residence in New Ross, [County] Wexford,” according to a news release obtained by PEOPLE.

Authorities confirmed that the girl was pronounced dead after being transported to University Hospital Waterford for medical treatment, having succumbed to her injuries in the early hours of Tuesday, December 3.

Police reported that a woman and a man, both in their 30s, are receiving care at University Hospital Waterford, with their injuries not believed to be life-threatening. According to outlets such as the BBC, the Irish Times, and Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ), the victim has been identified as Malikika Al Kattib, aged 8.

RTÉ indicated that the young girl’s mother was attacked by “a man who was known to them both,” and that Malikika “attempted to intervene” but sustained fatal injuries in the process.

“The scene has been preserved for forensic investigation. The Coroner has been informed, and assistance from the Garda Technical Bureau and the Office of the State Pathologist has been requested for the inquiry. A post-mortem examination will be conducted,” police stated in the release.

Local councillor John Dwyer informed BBC News Northern Ireland (NI) that a close relative of the victim’s mother witnessed the resuscitation efforts for Malikika, describing it as “the most horrific scene.” Dwyer remarked that the “entire family is devastated” by Malikika’s passing. As reported by the BBC, Malikika was a student at New Ross Educate Together National School in New Ross.

While not confirming a name, the school issued a statement on its website, with principal Theresa White expressing on Tuesday, “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 thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends,” White added.