Four people, including a couple and two children, have died in a house fire in Waterford City, prompting a murder investigation. Two other children are fighting for their lives in hospital.
The man and woman who died have been identified locally as Philip English and his partner Kim. Two children have also been confirmed dead, with two more in critical condition.
Emergency services were called to the property in the Birchwood area shortly after 5am on Tuesday. Sources told the Irish Mirror that foul play is suspected, and gardaí are examining a possible arson attack. It is understood an earlier attempted arson on the family home occurred in recent weeks, possibly linked to a debt.
Community in shock
Locals are reeling from what Taoiseach Micheál Martin called a 'deeply disturbing situation'. The family have been described as well liked and popular in the area.
Councillor Jason Murphy, who lives near the scene, said there was a sense of "devastation" in the community. "I'm just numb, like everyone else around here," the Fianna Fáil councillor told the Press Association. "I think there's an eerie quiet around here. This estate would usually be a busy estate. You'd probably see kids up here playing on the green here, but there's nothing happening here this morning – only people looking into space trying to, I suppose, make sense of what happened here late last night and early this morning."
Mr Murphy said locals who witnessed the blaze would need professional support and counselling. "The sounds and what they heard this morning and what they seen, it'll take a lot of recovering, and they'll need a lot of support," he said. "It's coming now from the community, and that'll be ongoing. But they'll need professional support as well. And I was glad to see that the Taoiseach came out this morning, Micheál Martin said the community will get whatever supports it needs."
Official response
Waterford Mayor Liam Brazil and Waterford Metropolitan District Mayor Lola O'Sullivan released a joint statement conveying their profound sorrow. "We are devastated and heartbroken by the tragedy that unfolded in Birch Avenue this morning," they said. "Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of those who lost their lives so tragically in the fatal house fire."
They added: "No one is untouched by this event, and we would appeal to neighbours, friends and the wider community to be there for each other during this harrowing time. Our thoughts are also with the emergency services and first responders who attended the deeply disturbing scene. We would encourage anyone who has been affected to visit the Community Support Hub in St John's Park."
A gardaí spokesperson confirmed: "An Garda Síochána are investigating all the circumstances of a fatal house fire that occurred in the Birchwood area of Waterford City shortly after 5am this morning, Tuesday, 13th October 2026. Gardaí and emergency services remain at the scene. An Garda Síochána can confirm two adults (one male and one female) and two children are deceased. Two other children have been removed from the scene and are receiving hospital treatment for critical injuries. An incident room has been set up at Waterford Garda Station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed. Family liaison officers have also been appointed."
The spokesperson appealed for information from anyone in the vicinity of Birch Avenue in the early hours of Tuesday, urging contact with Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
Investigation ongoing
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the incident as a "deeply disturbing situation". He said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with anybody who has lost their lives and all who are affected. We thank the first responders who are at the scene. We say to everyone to give space to the first responders, to the gardaí to deal with what clearly is a very worrying and deeply disturbing situation."
Gardaí are conducting door-to-door enquiries in the vicinity. As this is an ongoing evolving incident, An Garda Síochána is not in a position to provide further detail at present.
