Gardaí have searched multiple properties as part of a continued investigation into the Waterford fire that killed two adults and two children, but no arrests have been made. An Garda Síochána described the investigation as “intense in nature and very active,” with a number of electronic devices and vehicles seized during Tuesday evening’s searches now subject to technical examination.
The victims have been named locally as Philip and Kim English and their sons Callum, 12, and Jayden, nine. Two other children were critically injured in the blaze, which broke out at a house in the Birchwood area shortly after 5am on Tuesday.
Family Appeals for Information
James English, an uncle of Philip English, has called on anyone with information to come forward. Speaking as the godfather of one of the children who died, he said: “Whoever did it, he better feel ashamed of himself.” He urged witnesses to go to the Garda with whatever information they have.
“Well, whoever knows, they’d want to turn up and own up, whoever done it,” he said. “At the end of the day, we have a loss of family now, wiped out. So please, whoever done it, own up, be a man.”
Anne English, previously married to Philip English, described them as a happy family. “I just have no words. I’m lost and I’m going to be lost without them,” she said. “She’s (Kim English) my best friend. We were very, very close. I heard when I got a phone call from one of my family and I jumped out up of bed.”
Government Response and Community Support
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said on Wednesday that the Government will put in place all resources needed for the Garda investigation and for community supports, thanking first responders for dealing with “what was a very traumatic situation.” He described the murder of the English family as “extremely shocking in terms of the level of violence and the consequences of an entire family to be impacted in this manner.”
“It’s also a period we have to really examine and reflect on this phenomenon of arson attacks on innocent people, and with absolutely no consideration for human life and for the impact of such actions, and I know the Minister for Justice and others will be working extremely hard to stamp this out and to deal very resolutely and robustly with this,” he said.
On Wednesday morning, the scene in the Birchwood area was silent, with Gardaí standing at the crime scene cordon, obstructing access to the road where the fire happened. The investigation is being carried out by the Serious Crime Unit in Waterford Garda Station, and Gardaí are appealing for information.
School Tributes and Community Vigil
Caroline Douris, principal of Scoil Lorcáin boys national school, where the two children who died were pupils, paid tribute to them after laying flowers at the house. “We just want to extend sympathies to the community and to the family,” she said. “We have a very strong staff. We’re very united, and everybody’s willing to talk openly about the whole situation.”
A community hub has been set up in the nearby Butler Community Centre, where councillors are available to speak to locals. Six psychologists have been allocated to local schools to help support children. A prayer vigil will take place at Sacred Heart Church in The Folly at 5pm on Wednesday evening, and a crowdfunding page has raised more than €27,000 to help with funeral costs.
Waterford TD John Cummins said the family had been in his constituency office in the past and that his office staff are really upset. He added that he had spoken to the Chief Superintendent yesterday and “An Garda Síochána are following a direct line of investigation.” Irish President Catherine Connolly has expressed her “deepest condolences” to the family and friends of the victims, describing the attack as “appalling.” Garda Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit has made a public appeal for information.
