A young Ukrainian refugee is fighting for her life in hospital after she was stabbed 75 times in a horror knife attack. The eight-year-old girl, who had arrived in Ireland after escaping the Russian invasion of her homeland, was found with serious injuries at a house near Clarecastle, Co. Clare, on Tuesday morning.
Her mother, 46, was also found unconscious at the scene. Authorities say the youngster had sustained 75 knife wounds to her neck and body, however all of her major organs were missed, the Mirror reports.
She remains in critical condition at Crumlin Children's Hospital after bring transferred from Limerick. A source stated: "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. It is understood doctors are awaiting the results of a toxicology report in the hope of discovering the cause of her collapse.
Gardai are not believed to be looking for anyone else in relation to the case. The pair 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.
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 had only arrived in the last few months, having left war-torn Ukraine.
It's understood the child had only begun in a primary school in recent weeks when the new academic year began after the summer break. 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.”
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