Irish Daily Star

Girl knifed 75 times fighting for her life

MIRACLE AS NO MAJOR ORGANS HIT IN ATTACK

- ■■Michael O’TOOLE & John HAND

THE young girl fighting for her life after a knife attack, was stabbed 75 times — but miraculous­ly none of her major organs were hit.

The Irish Daily Star has learned that the eight-year-old Ukrainian refugee is in Crumlin Children’s Hospital, after being transferre­d from Limerick, where medics continue to treat her.

The child was discovered before 8am on Tuesday morning at a house near Clarecastl­e, Co Clare, which is near the town of Ennis.

Her mum (46) was also discovered unconsciou­s at the scene.

The girl had severe injuries after being stabbed in the neck and body.

And medics have now establishe­d that she had 75 knife wounds.

Although none of the child’s major organs were hit, she remains in critical condition.

A source said: “It’s very much wait and see at this stage and in the doctor’s hands but the fact her major organs weren’t hit has given her a fighting chance.”

The child’s mother remains in Limerick University Hospital and is also in critical condition. The child and mother were staying at a property, understood to be a former B&B, which is being used to accommodat­e Ukrainian refugees who have fled their home country due to the war.

Screaming

Gardai and emergency services were alerted by other residents in the house after they heard of screaming.

Some attempted to gain access to the room but were unable and then raised the alarm.

After the daughter and mother were rushed to hospital, the remaining occupants of the house were transferre­d to refugee accommodat­ion in Ennis following consultati­on with the local Civil Defence through an interprete­r.

Detectives will now speak to each of the occupants who were present in the home to build a timeline of events. Officers have also conducted door-to-door enquiries.

Locally, the girl and her mother were not well-known as they have only come here in recent months following their decision to leave war torn Ukraine.

It’s understood the child had only begun in a primary school in recent weeks when the new academic year started following the summer break.

An incident room has been establishe­d at Ennis Garda Station and a senior Investigat­ing officer has been appointed to oversee the probe.

A Family Liaison Officer has also been appointed to the relatives of the pair.

A Garda spokesman said: “This is a live and ongoing investigat­ion and no further informatio­n is available at this time.

“An Garda Síochána are appealing for anyone with any informatio­n on this incident to contact the investigat­ion team at Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100, the Garda Confidenti­al Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.”

 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Ireland