An eight-year-old girl was last night fighting for her life after she was stabbed in the neck before being found at a house.
Her mother, 46, was also discovered unconscious at the scene near Clarecastle, Co Clare when the gardai and an ambulance team arrived shortly before 8am on Tuesday.
The girl and woman - both Ukrainian refugees - were rushed to University Hospital Limerick and both are in critical condition, but it is believed the child will be transferred to Temple Street in Dublin at some point.
Read More: Girl, 8, stabbed in the neck and critical along with mother after horror Clare incident
She had suffered a number of stab wounds, including to her neck, sources confirmed. Detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and what led to it.
A source said: "The investigation is at the very early stages. What is known is that the young child suffered shocking injuries in a violent incident. But more will come to light in the coming days as the garda investigation progresses."
The Clare Civil Defence personnel and an interpreter were also called to assist gardai at the scene on Tuesday morning.
It’s understood the mum and daughter were staying at a property where the incident occurred, having fled their home country due to the war.
An incident room has been established at Ennis Garda Station and a senior Investigating officer has been appointed to oversee the probe. A Family Liaison Officer has also been appointed to the relatives of the daughter and mother.
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 on 065 6848100, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station."
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