'Devastating, a terrible, terrible loss': Girl (8) dies in fatal assault in ...

The eight-year-old girl died after the incident at a house in New Ross.

A 34-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman are currently receiving hospital treatment. It is understood that all three involved had stab wounds and that they are well-known to each other.

The fatal incident happened at a property in the William Street area of New Ross just before midnight and the young girl was pronounced dead in hospital about 1.30am.

In a statement, New Ross Educate Together principal Therese White said: “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 sympathy and thoughts are with family and friends.”

“The school has implemented our Critical Incident Management Plan and 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.

“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.

“We would ask you to respect our privacy at this difficult time.”

Gardaí are now investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of the girl.

The scene remains preserved for forensic examination.

Gardaí confirmed the coroner had been notified and that the Garda Technical Bureau and Office of the State Pathologist had been requested to assist in the investigation.

A post-mortem examination will be scheduled.

A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at New Ross Garda Station.

Locals in New Ross awoke to the devastating news this morning and the community is reeling in shock.

Cllr Bridín Murphy, the cathaoirleach of New Ross District Council, paid tribute to the young girl who passed away and her family.

"I am shocked by what has unfolded in our town overnight," said the local councillor and social worker. "New Ross is in a state of shock this morning and my thoughts are with the child who has lost her life and to all the family affected."

Local resident Pat Rossiter said: “I couldn't believe it that something like that should happen in this town. Obviously hearing the breaking news, the details were very vague, but then my wife said she saw the lights of the emergency services passing by the house around 11.45 pm last night.

“It's shocking to have lost a young life in our town. It's incredible. I'm looking at the scene right now and it’s something you see on television, you'd never imagine for a second of a situation like this being in your own hometown, and here it is.

“It’s just devastating and it’s a terrible, terrible loss.

Another resident passing the scene said: “I’m absolutely shocked. A young, innocent life to be taken away by a crime is so sad.”

Speaking to gardaí on the scene, they noted that this is the third investigation into a murder in Wexford in just a few short months.

The Garda Superintendent is expected to give an update on the incident shortly and an incident room has been established.

Investigating gardaí are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426 030, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111 or any garda station.