Several people have died in a fire at a house in Waterford, southeast Ireland, with police saying they suspect an arson attack. Local media report that children are among those killed.
Emergency services are at the scene of the blaze at a residence in the city's Birchwood estate. An initial call was received at approximately 5.13am advising of a fire at a residence at Birch Avenue, Kilcohan.
Casualties removed from house
Waterford Fire Service said several fire crews attended from surrounding stations and found a "well-developed fire" at the house. A spokesperson said: "Firefighting operations commenced immediately, and a number of casualties were removed from the two storey house. The fire was extinguished and the scene handed over to An Garda Síochána."
The fatalities are understood to include children, according to local radio station wlr.fm.
Police treating as evolving incident
A Garda spokesperson said: "An Garda Síochána and other emergency services are currently at the scene of a fire at a domestic residence in Waterford City. As this is an ongoing evolving incident An Garda Síochána is not in a position to provide any further detail."
The fire service has confirmed that a number of casualties were removed from the two-storey house before the blaze was extinguished and the scene was handed over to police.
