Schoolgirl, eight, ‘stabbed to death as she tried to protect her mother during late-night attack’ at home in Ireland

It is believed a young girl died trying to protect her mother from a late night knife attack.

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene of a fatal attack on a residential home in New Ross, County Wexford in Ireland at around 11.45pm on Sunday.

Eight-year-old Malikika Al Katib was reportedly stabbed when she realized her mother was being attacked with a knife in their home and tried to help her.

It is believed the knifeman then pointed the gun at the little girl – stabbing her at least twice.

She was rushed to University Hospital Waterford, where she died this morning.

A woman and a man (30 years old) are being treated at University Hospital Wexford. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The scene remains cordoned off to the public as detectives continue the investigation.

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The Irish mirror reported that the attack began Sunday evening at the family home.

Malikika’s mother Alisha Al Katib was reportedly attacked with a knife and her daughter rushed downstairs to help her.

The child was then stabbed, as was her mother.

Malikika, her mother and the man were all taken to hospital, but the child later died from her injuries.