PATERSON, NJ (WABC) — A 4-year-old girl was hospitalized after she was stabbed multiple times in a New Jersey home. Investigators say the attacker appears to be the girl’s aunt.

Faherem LaSane, the father of four-year-old Amber, spoke Saturday outside St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, where his daughter is recovering.

“She couldn’t respond because she had tubes and everything inside her, but she opened her eyes and when she heard my voice she tried to look me in the eyes. I was very happy that she responded,” LaSane said.

Amber had to undergo surgery after she suffered lung and liver damage in the stabbing. Her diaphragm was also affected.

Local politicians say the four-year-old was stabbed multiple times around 4pm on Friday following a family dispute. The suspect, reportedly the girl’s aunt, is still being sought by police.

Neighbors who witnessed the incident reported that Amber’s mother carried her daughter out of the house in a panic, covered in blood. The four-year-old had a large laceration on her forehead.

According to witnesses, the mother was hysterical when Amber was taken into the ambulance.

Neighbors say the girl’s aunt often walked up and down the block, pacing and talking to herself. She is said to have “emotional problems.”

Amber is expected to recover from her injuries.

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