A woman was taken into police custody after allegedly stabbing a 7-year-old girl to death in the Chatham neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, police said.

The stabbing was reported around 11:55 a.m. on Saturday along South Cottage Grove Avenue near East 86th Street. Police said a 7-year-old girl was walking outside when a woman approached, displayed a sharp object and stabbed the girl multiple times in the back.

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The child was taken to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Authorities said bystanders witnessed the attack and detained the woman. The suspect sustained injuries while being detained and was taken to an area hospital before being placed into police custody.

The suspect wasn't known to the victim, police said.

What may have prompted the attack is unclear.

Area Two detectives are investigating.

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