An eight-year-old girl has died after she was attacked in Wexford late last night. 

Gardaí arrived at a property in New Ross at 11.45pm on Sunday and the child was taken to University Hospital Waterford for emergency treatment; the young girl then passed away in the early hours of Monday morning. 

A man and woman in their 30s have also received medical treatment but their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. 

A Senior Investigating Officer at New Ross Garda Station has been appointed to oversee the investigation into the attack.

Local Councillor Michael Sheehan said the community has been left devastated by the news.

"First and foremost, our thoughts are with the families that are involved in this -it's horrendous," he said.

"At a time, heading into the Christmas season when we should all be heading into the Christmas season, we're now confronted with this awful tragedy on our hands."

The scene of the attack has been sealed off for a forensic examination and post-mortem examination will be carried out. 

Anyone with any information has been asked to contact Gardaí. 

Main images shows a Garda van in New Ross. Picture by: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie