Girl's death after Wexford assault 'a terrible tragedy'
A street in New Ross has been cordoned off after the attack
- Published
A young schoolgirl has died in hospital after what Gardaí (Irish police) have described as a "fatal assault" in County Wexford.
The primary school she attended in New Ross has released a statement describing it as a "terrible tragedy for the family, our school and our community".
Gardaí and other emergency services were called to a home in the town at about 23:45 local time on Sunday.
The girl was taken to hospital in Waterford but she died from her injuries in the early hours of Monday.
Two other people - a man and woman in their 30s - were also injured but their wounds are not believed to be life-threatening.
It is understood that Gardaí are following a definite line of enquiry and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.
'Sense of horror'
The girl's age has not been confirmed but it is believed she was between seven and nine years old.
A local primary school - New Ross Educate Together NS - issued a statement on Monday, external saying staff had learned of "the death of a student who attends our school".
"We are deeply saddened by these events. Our sympathy and thoughts are with family and friends," said the principal Therese White.
She added that teachers were "helping students to deal with this tragic event".
"The school has implemented our Critical Incident Management Plan and we are in receipt of support from the National Educational Psychological Service.
"They have been with us all day supporting and advising teachers in their efforts to assist students at this time," her statement said.
Ms White added that the school would be "sharing information with parents today around how they can support their children at this difficult time".
Local councillor John Dwyer told BBC News NI that New Ross was “a relatively small place and it was not very often that something dramatic happens”.
He added that the schoolgirl would have had friends in the town and would have been well integrated into the community.
“There is a dreadful sense of horror in this town that this has befallen a family", he said.
The independent councillor passed his condolences on to all those who knew the victim.