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Investigation after girl, 8, dies following assault in Wexford

The scene in New Ross has been sealed off
The scene in New Ross has been sealed off

An investigation is under way after an eight-year-old girl died following an assault in Co Wexford.

Emergency services were called to a house in New Ross at around 11.45pm last night.

The girl was taken to University Hospital Waterford, where she died from her injuries in the early hours of this morning.

A woman and a man, both in their 30s, are being treated at University Hospital Waterford for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

Gardaí have issued an appeal for information following the incident

Gardaí say they are following a definite line of inquiry and are not looking for anyone else in relation to the investigation.

The scene remains preserved for a forensic examination and the Office of the State Pathologist has been notified.

The results of the post-mortem examination will determine the focus of the garda investigation.

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

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have any information on the incident to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426 030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

Town in shock

New Ross Councillor Bridín Murphy said the town was in shock at the news of the girl's death.

She said there are supports in place for people affected.

"I know the school have put a plan in place and and we as the local authority have put, our support in place to families and to the emergency services who have responded to this very, very difficult situation."

Councillor Murphy said it is not something that people in New Ross expected to hear about and went on to say it was important that everyone was supportive to each other.

"You know we are here to support each other, and I want that to be a very clear message that everybody's here to support each other from this."

'Terrible tragedy'

The school attended by the young girl who died has said her death is a "terrible tragedy".

In a statement posted online, New Ross Educate Together NS principal Therese White said the school has implemented its Critical Incident Management Plan to support both student and teachers.

"We learned this morning of the death of a student who attends our school.

"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 is getting support from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).

"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.

"We would ask you to respect our privacy at this difficult time."

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