Five arrested over fatal Waterford arson attack that killed family of four

Three more people detained Tuesday as gardaí widen probe into Birchwood fire that killed Philip and Kim English and their sons. Two others were remanded in custody earlier the same day.

Five in custody as Waterford arson murder inquiry widens

Gardaí have arrested three additional people in connection with the fatal arson attack in Waterford city, waterfordlive.ie reports, bringing the total number detained to five in a single day.

A man in his 50s and two women in their 30s were arrested on Tuesday, October 20, for alleged offences contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. All three are being held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at garda stations in the Eastern Region.

"An Garda Síochána continue to investigate the multiple murder following the arson attack and fatal house fire that occurred in the Birchwood area of Waterford city shortly after 5am on Tuesday, October 13," a Garda spokesperson said.

The three arrests came hours after Jessica Dalton (31), with an address in Waterford city, and Cian Stacey (21), of no fixed abode, appeared before Waterford District Court and were remanded in custody in connection with the same attack.

Philip and Kim English, along with their children Callum and Jayden, died in the blaze at 7 Birch Avenue, Birchwood. The family was laid to rest at Kilbarry Cemetery following a funeral Mass on Monday.

A source familiar with the investigation described it as "far-ranging" and said it "will leave no stone unturned," with further arrests understood to be under consideration.

An Garda Síochána is appealing for anyone with information to contact the incident room at Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

Source: Irish Independent