A man arrested after the murder of an eight-year-old girl reportedly attacked her mother during a fight over a mobile phone.
Malika Noor Al Katib died after being stabbed in the neck at her home in County Wexford, Ireland, on Sunday night.
Police understand she was asleep when the argument started downstairs and she intervened to protect her mother.
But the killer then pointed the gun at the girl and stabbed Malika at least twice. The Irish Independent has reported.
His mother, Alish Al Katib, 31, was stabbed in the chest in the horror attack but managed to raise the alarm.
Malika was rushed to Waterford University Hospital at around 11.45pm on Sunday, but died early on Monday morning.
A 34-year-old man, believed to be an acquaintance of the mother and daughter, was arrested on suspicion of Malika’s murder on December 2.
Imam Rashid Munir, of the Waterford Al-Munir Islamic Centre, said he had spoken to Malika’s mother, who “is not in very good shape at the moment”.
Malika Noor Al Katib, 8, died after suffering stab wounds in the early hours of Monday morning.
The area remained cordoned off following the attack on Sunday night while Gardai investigate Malika’s death.
He told RTÉ: “She witnessed her son being murdered in front of her eyes and that’s not easy.”
Imam Munir said Malika’s mother was being treated in hospital for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
He described Malika as a “lovely girl” and a “beautiful girl” who used to come to his Islamic Centre.
‘She was like any eight-year-old girl. He was extremely smiling and showed a lot of interest in learning about Islam and did very well in his studies, Imam Munir said.
He wanted to integrate into the community and do something extraordinary.’
Local councilor John Dwyer told the Irish Daily Mail that he had spoken directly to the girl’s relatives and that they were “inconsolable with grief”.
He said: ‘The whole community is paralyzed by this. It is an absolute tragedy. I’ve been talking to family members who are just devastated, as you can imagine.
‘It’s an eight-year-old boy murdered like that. It’s so heartbreaking.
‘The news spread through the city like wildfire, as you can imagine. My thoughts are with the family here and we will do everything we can to help them.’
Therese White, headteacher at Educate Together National School in New Ross, where the young woman was a pupil, called her death a “terrible tragedy”. “This morning we learned of the death of a student who attends our school,” he said in a statement.
Garda at scene of stabbing in New Ross, County Wexford
‘This is a terrible tragedy for the family, our school and our community. We are deeply saddened by these events. Our condolences and thoughts are with family and friends.
‘The school has implemented our critical incident management plan and we are supported by the National Educational Psychology Service (NEPS).
‘They have been with us all day supporting and advising teachers in their efforts to help students at this time. Our teachers are helping students cope with this tragic event.
“Today we will share information with parents about how they can support their children during this difficult time.”
A Garda spokesperson previously said: “Gardai are appealing for anyone who may have information regarding 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.”