THE 13-YEAR-OLD girl hailed as a hero after shielding her baby nephew from a gang of masked machete-wielding men was left requiring around 300 stitches.
She was left with a string of shocking injuries in the wake of the attack including a large slash wound to the back, the Irish Independent reports.
The brave teen incurred the injuries after defending her 11-month-old cousin from the attack. She has received around 300 stitches since then.
Three men reportedly forced their way into a house on Trasna Way, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, at around 9pm on Saturday before carrying out the attack.
The young teen’s grandmother, 41-year-old Elizabeth Joyce was targeted in the attack and has been received treatment for the injuries she incurred.
Her young niece is being treated at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen with her condition is said to be critical but stable.
Ms Joyce described the attack in terrifying detail to ITV: "They burst through the house, one attacker came to me attacking. I was screaming and kicking and fighting back.
“The other attacker went for the wee fella, but his auntie, who is in hospital in a very critical condition, she threw herself on top of the baby to save the baby's life."
The PSNI are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
PSNI Detective Sergeant Keith Monaghan said: “This must have been a terrifying ordeal for those involved and we are determined to find the men responsible.
“We have several lines of enquiry which we are progressing at this time, but I would ask anyone with information or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area to contact detectives in Enniskillen and pass that information on.”
According to reports, the family involved belongs to the Travelling community.
There is some media speculation that the attack could be connected to a long-running dispute.
The PSNI investigation is ongoing.
