8-Year-Old Girl Dies While Trying to Save Her Mom During 'Horrific' Knife Attack: Reports

An 8-year-old girl in Ireland is dead after trying to save her mother from a knife attack, according to reports.

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

Police confirmed a girl had died after being taken to University Hospital Waterford for treatment, adding that she’d succumbed to her injuries in the early hours of Tuesday, Dec. 3.

“A woman and man (30s) are receiving treatment at University Hospital Waterford. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening,” police added.

Per outlets including the BBC, the Irish Times and Irish broadcasting company Raidió Teilifís Eireann (RTÉ), the victim was identified as Malikika Al Kattib, 8.

RTÉ reported that the young girl’s mom had been attacked by “a man who knew them both,” adding that Malikika “tried to intervene” but was fatally injured.

“The scene remains preserved for forensic examination. The Coroner has been notified and the Garda Technical Bureau and Office of the State Pathologist have been requested to assist in the investigation. A post-mortem examination will be scheduled,” police said, per the release.

Local councillor, John Dwyer, told BBC News Northern Ireland (NI) that a close relative of the victim’s mother witnessed Malikika being resuscitated, calling it “the most horrific scene.”

Dwyer told the outlet that the “entire family are devastated” following Malikika’s death. 

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Per the BBC, Malikika was a student at New Ross Educate Together National School in New Ross.

Without confirming a name, the school shared a statement on its website, with principal Theresa White writing 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 sympathy and thoughts are with family and friends,” White added. 

“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,” the message included.

Local councillor, John Dwyer didn’t immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.