First photo of Malika Al Katib who was fataly stabbed in New Ross

Gardaí have released the first photo of 8-year-old Malika Al Katib who was fatally stabbed at her home in New Ross, Wexford last Sunday night.

A man aged aged 34, who is of Middle Eastern origin, has been arrested by Gardaí in connection to the murder of the child.

Malika’s mother also sustained injuries during the incident which are not life threatening.

Gardaí believe that the eight year old was woken up by a disturbance in her home and that she was stabbed in the neck while trying to defend her mother from the attacker.

It is understood that Malika’s mother saw the child being stabbed before her eyes.

More to follow.