Three more arrested over Waterford arson attack that killed four family members
Three new suspects detained as gardaí probe the blaze that killed Philip and Kim English and two sons. One surviving child has opened their eyes in hospital.
New arrests as Waterford arson investigation widens
Three more people have been arrested in connection with the suspected arson attack on a Waterford family home that left four members of the English family dead and two children critically injured, the Irish Independent reports.
A man in his 50s and two women in their 30s were detained by gardaí on Tuesday afternoon as part of the ongoing murder investigation. They were held under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at Garda stations in the east of the country.
The arrests came hours after two people already charged in connection with the attack appeared before Waterford District Court. Cian Stacey, 21, of no fixed abode, and Jessica Dalton, 31, of a Waterford address, each face one count of criminal damage and two counts of assault causing serious harm. Both were first charged last Saturday.
Stacey appeared via video link and consented to a 28-day remand in custody pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Judge Caitriona Murray remanded him until 17 November. Dalton appeared in person at court, having arrived shortly before the hearing as a crowd gathered outside from around 10am. She was also remanded in custody until 17 November.
Philip and Kim English, along with their sons Callum, 12, and Jayden, 9, died following the blaze at their home on the Birchwood Estate, just outside Waterford city. The family was laid to rest on Monday. Funeral arrangements are now expected for six-year-old Elliot English, who died on Friday, having lost his fight for life after the fire.
Friends of the family, who asked not to be named, confirmed that one of the two surviving children has begun to show small signs of recovery and has opened their eyes in hospital. Their condition, initially described as critical, has improved. The second child's condition remains critical.
Prayers have continued for both children since they were rescued from the burning house.
In a statement, investigating officers described the attack as "murderous" and appealed to anyone with information to contact the Garda investigation team at the incident room in Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any local Garda station.
Source: Irish Independent