The community of New Ross is in shock following news that an eight-year-old girl died after a fatal assault at a domestic residence in the Co Wexford town on Sunday, a local councillor has said.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene at approximately 11:45pm.
The girl was taken to University Hospital Waterford for treatment. She passed away from her injuries in the early hours of Monday morning.
Councillor and former chair of Wexford County Council, Michael Sheehan, said: "The first and foremost thing is that our thoughts and prayers are with the families that are involved in this.
"It's horrendous, and at a time heading into the Christmas season that we should all be pulling together, we're now confronted with this awful tragedy on our hands.
"So the community itself is quite numb and I've been over the town and talking to some people and they're just scratching their heads. How could this happen? In New Ross of all places?"
A woman and man (30s) are receiving treatment at University Hospital Wexford. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
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. A post-mortem examination will be scheduled.
A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at New Ross Garda Station.
Investigating gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have any information on 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.
