Family of four killed in arson attack on Waterford home, two children critical

Four members of the English family, including two young boys, died after a suspected petrol bomb attack on their home in County Waterford. Gardaí have launched a multiple murder investigation.

Waterford arson attack kills parents and two sons, multiple murder inquiry opened

Four members of the same family — a husband, wife and two of their children — died after their home on Birch Avenue in the Birchwood housing estate, on the outskirts of Waterford city, was set ablaze in the early hours of Tuesday morning, bbc.com reports.

Philip English and his wife Kim, along with their sons Callum, 12, and Jayden, 9, were killed in the fire, which was reported to emergency services shortly after 05:00 local time. Two further children from the family remain critically ill in hospital in Dublin.

Waterford Fire Service said it was alerted at 05:13 and arrived to find a well-developed blaze at a two-storey house. Crews removed a number of casualties before the fire was extinguished, after which the scene was handed over to gardaí.

'Multiple murder and arson attack'

Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit, speaking to the media outside Waterford Garda Station on Tuesday afternoon, said officers believe the house "was attacked by a person or persons unknown and that the fire was started deliberately". The property has been declared a crime scene and is currently undergoing technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. Post-mortem examinations on the four bodies are to be carried out at University Hospital Waterford.

A senior investigating officer is leading the murder inquiry, coordinated from an incident room at Waterford Garda Station. Family liaison officers have been appointed to the bereaved family.

Ch Supt Pettit appealed for witnesses to what he described as a "multiple murder and arson attack", asking anyone in the vicinity of Birch Avenue between 04:30 and 05:30 that morning to come forward. He specifically requested that any drivers in the area who may have dashcam footage make that material available to investigators.

Prior to the attack, Philip English had reportedly made a statement to gardaí after his car was set alight, according to The Irish Sun.

Community in shock

The attack has prompted widespread expressions of grief across Waterford. Amy Maguire, manager of the Butler Community Centre, told Irish broadcaster RTÉ News that "shock and disbelief" had spread through the entire community. The centre opened early on Tuesday as a gathering point, with local businesses donating sandwiches, tea and other refreshments. The nearby Sacred Heart Resource Centre also offered liaison and counselling services.

Local football club Johnville FC, where Callum had played, posted a tribute on social media describing the family as "familiar and friendly faces" at the club. "It is incredibly difficult to comprehend that a family we knew so well has been taken from us in such tragic circumstances," the club said, adding: "You will always be part of our club family."

The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) contacted and visited schools in the area to support staff and pupils affected by the fire. A spokesperson for the Department of Education said NEPS had been providing support and advice to school management and staff as "the impact of the incident unfolds".

Bishops, politicians and clergy respond

The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, described it as an "unspeakable tragedy" that had shocked the entire city. "Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered such unimaginable loss," he said. "We stand in solidarity with all those whose lives have been devastated." The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore confirmed that a vigil would be held at Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday, offering people an opportunity to "come together in prayer for those who have lost their lives".

Local parish priest Fr Gerry Chestnutt said the community would rally around the family. "Some of the children went to our primary schools so they will have lots of friends and parents of friends — they will rally around," he told RTÉ.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan condemned the attack as a "brutal and heinous act" and said those responsible would "face the full rigour of the law". "This shocking event has had a very significant impact not just on the people of Waterford but on the whole country," he said. "There is no place in a civilised society for such a heinous act."

The mayor of the Waterford Metropolitan District, Lola O'Sullivan, urged the public not to speculate about the cause online. "It upsets me no end to see people commenting on social media about something that they don't have firm facts on," she said.

Source: The Sun