Elliot English, 6, dies after Waterford arson attack that killed four family members
Six-year-old Elliot English has died in hospital weeks after the arson attack in Waterford that killed his parents and two brothers. A second child remains in hospital.
Sixth victim of Waterford arson: Elliot English, 6, dies in hospital
Six-year-old Elliot English has died at Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, his family confirmed, weeks after a suspected arson attack on the family home in the Birchwood estate in Waterford city on 13 October claimed the lives of four other family members.
Elliot's parents, Kim and Philip English, and his brothers Callum, 12, and Jayden, 9, all died following the blaze in the early hours of that morning. A second child critically injured in the attack remains in hospital.
The Sun reports that Elliot had been fighting for his life since the fire broke out on the outskirts of Waterford city.
In a statement, the English family said they wished to confirm Elliot's passing with "profound sadness". "The family has endured an unimaginable loss, and this latest bereavement has left relatives, neighbours and friends facing an overwhelming period of grief," the statement read.
The family asked the media to allow them "the time, space and privacy to come to terms with this devastating tragedy" and said their thoughts remain with the child still in hospital, asking that the child be "kept in everyone's thoughts and prayers".
The joint funeral mass held for Kim, Phillip, Callum and Jayden heard that they were "the salt of the earth and lights in this community" who had done "no wrong to anybody".
Six people have been arrested to date as part of the Garda investigation into the attack. Last month, four — a man in his 50s, two women in their 30s and a man in his 20s — were detained on suspicion of facilitating a criminal organisation under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, anti-gang legislation. All four were subsequently released without charge. Gardaí said files will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions and that the investigation remains ongoing.
Two other people arrested last month, Jessica Dalton, 31, with an address in Waterford city, and Cian Stacey, 21, of no fixed abode, have previously appeared before Waterford District Court. Both were remanded in custody and are due to appear again before the same court on 17 November via video link.
The English family concluded their statement by thanking those who had shown support: "The English family would like to thank everyone who has shown kindness, compassion and support during what has been an incomprehensibly difficult time. Please allow the family the privacy and respect they so desperately need at this time."
Source: The Sun