The eight-year-old girl in critical condition in hospital after being found at a residence this morning is suspected to have been stabbed in the neck.
Her mother, 46, was also discovered unconscious at the scene in Clarecastle, Co Clare shortly before 8am.
The child and woman are in University Hospital Limerick and both are in critical condition. Gardai suspect the girl had suffered a number of stab wounds, including to her neck.
Read More: Met Eireann forecasts settled weather this week before big weekend change
It is expected that she will be transferred to Temple Street this evening. Both the child and the woman are from Ukraine and are believed to have come here after fleeing the war in their home country.
An incident room has been established at Ennis Garda Station and a Senior Investigating officer has been appointed to oversee the investigation.
Detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Gardai say that a family liaison officer has been appointed to the family.
And in a statement, a spokesman said: "The scene currently remains preserved and the scene is currently being examined by Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.
"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.
"Enquiries are ongoing and updates will follow."
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Met Eireann forecasts period of settled weather for all but two areas before big change this weekend
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