Girl (8) dies following fatal assault in house in New Ross, Wexford
Gardaí are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of the young girlMan (34) and woman (31) were hospitalised with non life-threatening injuries
An eight-year-old girl has died following a fatal assault at a house in New Ross, Co Wexford on Sunday night.
A 34-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman are currently receiving hospital treatment.
It is understood that all three 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 at around 1.30am.
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 has been notified and the Garda Technical Bureau and Office of the State Pathologist have been requested to assist in the investigation.
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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 and disbelief.
Local resident of New Ross, 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,” he added.
“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,” Mr Rossiter concluded.
Another resident left her home to get into her car and in doing so, she stopped and observed the scene that unfolded overnight. “I’m absolutely shocked,” she said.
“A young, innocent life to be taken away by a crime, is so sad,” she added.
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 who may have any information on this incident 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.
