Eight-year-old girl dies of injuries after assault in Co Wexford

A girl has died following an assault at a house in Co Wexford, gardai have said.

Gardai and emergency services were called to the property in New Ross at around 11.45pm on Sunday.

The girl, understood to be eight years old, was taken to University Hospital Waterford but died from her injuries in the early hours of Monday.

A woman and a man, both in their 30s, are also receiving treatment at University Hospital Wexford.

Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, according to gardai.

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.

Gardai said a post-mortem examination will be scheduled.

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the inquiry and an incident room has been set up at New Ross Garda Station.

Officers investigating the incident are appealing to anyone who may have any information to come forward.

They are asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426 030, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111, or any Garda station.

A number of garda cars remained at the scene throughout Monday.

People living in the residential area expressed shock at the tragic incident.

Independent councillor in New Ross Michael Sheehan said the community has been devastated by the death.

Mr Sheehan, who sits on the board of the school where the young girl attended, said the wider community will rally to support her family.

“People are very shocked that this has happened in our community,” Mr Sheehan said.

“All of our thoughts and prayers are with the young girl and her family. We hope that they will get some comfort over the coming weeks and months from the support from the local community, who will do whatever they can.

“It’s an awful tragedy that has befallen our community.

“William Street is a tight-knit community with a strong sense of solidarity, so they will help and do everything they can.

“People are so aghast this has happened, particularly as everyone will be putting up Christmas trees in what was meant to be a happy time.

“This has really shocked the town and there is a feeling of numbness.

“The girl attended the local Educate Together, which is a very close-knit school. The principal and staff there are brilliant and they will have access to all the support they need to navigate the choppy waters ahead.

“I’ve every faith they can handle this but it is so hard for them as everyone gets ready for Christmas.

“Today is a difficult day and people are asking how could this happen in our community?”

Therese White, principal of New Ross Educate Together National School where they young girl attended, said it is a “terrible tragedy”.

“We learned this morning of the death of a student who attends our school,” she said in a statement.

“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.”