An eight-year-old Ukrainian girl has been left in critical condition after suffering a suspected stab wound to the neck in Co Clare on Tuesday morning.
The mother of the young girl was also found unconscious at the residence in the village of Clarecastle on the outskirts of Ennis.
Both mother and child remain in critical condition.
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It is understood they are Ukrainian nationals who were staying at a centre for refugees.
Gardai have now launched a major investigation as they try to determine precisely what occurred at the property.
Upon the arrival of emergency services, the girl was rushed to University Hospital Limerick alongside her mother, aged in her 40s, where both are currently fighting for their lives.
It is expected that the girl will be transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital later this evening for more specialist care.
Detectives at Ennis Garda Station are leading an investigation into the incident, and a senior garda has been appointed to oversee the inquiry.
Gardaí have also appointed a liaison officer to assist the family.
The scene remains sealed off to facilitate an examination by the Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.
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 065 6848100, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
“Enquires are ongoing and updates will follow,” the spokesman added.
Clare Civil Defence personnel and an interpreter were called to assist gardaí at the scene on Tuesday.
The remaining occupants of the property are believed to have since been transferred to an emergency refugee accommodation centre in Ennis, according to the Independent.
Clare Civil Defence has been providing emergency accommodation for refugees fleeing the ongoing war in Ukraine over the past number of months.
Gardaí are expected to conduct door-to-door inquiries in the area on Tuesday and Wednesday to gather more information.
Officers are also trying to determine who was in the property at the time of the incident.
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