Kim and Philip English and two of their children, Callum, 12, and Jayden, nine, died when a suspected petrol bomb was hurled at the front door of their home in Birch Avenue, Kilcohan, Waterford city, shortly after 5am. Emergency services rescued the couple's two other children, aged 14 and 12, who sustained serious injuries and were last night receiving treatment at Children's Health Ireland hospital in Crumlin, south Dublin.
Relocation request and prior attacks
It has been revealed that the family had requested Waterford City Council to move them from the property. Sources indicated they were hopeful it would occur in the coming weeks after local Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane assisted them with their application. Just three weeks ago, criminals attempted to firebomb a car outside their home.
Locals recounted a reign of terror that "lasted years," with one stating: "No family should have to live in fear." The harassment also involved paint being hurled at their home and targeted attacks via a social media account. It is believed Mr English, who had no involvement in drugs, was attempting to settle an associate's debt of thousands of euros, but was subjected to a campaign of terror as he struggled to gather the money quickly enough.
Investigation and appeals
Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit, heading the investigation at Waterford Garda Station, said: "An Garda Siochana believe that the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown and that the fire was started deliberately." He added: "Gardai in Waterford are appealing to any person who has information on this multiple murder and arson attack to speak with investigating members."
Chief Supt Pettit revealed that the scene had been cordoned off and was under examination by forensics experts from the Garda Technical Bureau. The remains of the deceased had been removed from the scene, and post-mortems will be conducted at University Hospital Waterford by Professor Linda Mulligan, Chief State Pathologist, and Dr SallyAnne Collis, State Pathologist.
The investigation is being carried out by the Serious Crime Unit Waterford Garda Station, supported by Divisional resources and the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI).
Rescue attempts and condolences
Residents of the quiet estate spoke of how neighbours attempted to save the family from the blaze but were repelled by the flames. It is understood that Mr English made a desperate attempt to get his family out of the house and succeeded in pushing one child out a window to safety. Neighbours are believed to have leapt over the back wall in a frantic effort to rescue the family. Another local remembered being awakened by her distressed neighbours, saying: "I'll never forget their screams. I can't believe Kim is dead."
President Catherine Connolly voiced her horror at the murders, saying: "As President of Ireland, may I join with all of those who have expressed such shock following the horrific killing of a couple and two of their children this morning in Waterford and express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives." She urged anyone with information to bring it to their attention.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin branded it a "very worrying and deeply disturbing situation," adding: "Our thoughts and prayers are with anybody who has lost their lives and all who are affected." Sinn Féin TD Mr Cullinane expressed his and Waterford's devastation as he visited the scene, saying: "This is very raw for everybody involved. My heart is broken."
