An Ethiopian maid beheaded a 10-year-old Syrian girl in her sleep yesterday, local media reported.

The dead girl was found when members of the Syrian family woke up. The maid was caught trying to escape.

A member of the family told the newspaper the maid had worked for the family for a month and a half.

The unmarried maid, in her late 20s, was sent by her Saudi sponsor to work for the family because he was traveling and did not need her, said the relative.

The relative said the family was known for its kindness and treated the maid well.

He said that the young victim had memorized half of the Holy Qur'an and started praying regularly from the age of seven.