Understand
Four family members killed in deliberate arson attack in County Waterford
Overview
A husband, wife, and two of their children have died following a house fire on Birch Avenue in County Waterford, Republic of Ireland, which gardaí are treating as a multiple murder and arson attack. Two other children remain critically ill in hospital. Irish police have launched a major murder inquiry and are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.
Key points
- Kim English, Philip English, and their children Callum (12) and Jayden (9) died in the house fire on Birch Avenue, Waterford.
- Gardaí launched a multiple murder investigation after determining the fire was started deliberately by an unknown person or persons.
- Two other children survived the blaze but remain critically ill in hospital receiving treatment.
- Local community support hubs, schools, and churches have mobilized to provide counselling, services, and support to the bereaved community.
- A vigil is planned at Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday to remember the victims.
- Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan condemned the incident as a brutal and heinous act.