A nine-year-old boy who died in a house fire following a suspected arson attack had undergone cardiac surgery just a fortnight before. Jayden English died alongside his brother and parents in the blaze.
Jayden English and his brother Callum, 12, were both born with cardiac conditions, according to a 2020 social media post from Bumbleance, the national children's ambulance service.
Family killed in early morning fire
Philip and Kim English, along with their two young children, lost their lives when their home was firebombed at 5am on Monday morning (October 12). Their two other children, a 14-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy, are currently in hospital in a critical condition, reports RSVP Live.
In a message posted on social media on Wednesday afternoon, the Bumbleance service paid tribute to Jayden, Callum, and their parents Phillip and Kim for touching "the hearts of many during their time travelling with us".
"We will always cherish the memories we have and remember the times we shared on board. Our team are without words as we try to process this unimaginable loss," the tribute reads.
Tribute from children's ambulance service
"We extend our deepest condolences to their family during this devastating time and our thoughts and prayers to their siblings in critical condition.
"Please know that you are not alone in your grief; the whole community stands beside you, offering love and support during these difficult days ahead."
John James English, Philip's adult son from his first marriage, told RTE today that the arson attack stemmed from someone else's £20,000 drug debt.
Investigation ongoing
Philip and Kim English's home had been terrorised for years, according to John James, who said his mother's home (Philip's first wife, Ann English) had also been petrol-bombed in the past. John James stated that he is aware of the identity of the assailant, and clarified that the drug debt was not associated with anyone residing in that house.
Multiple properties have been searched as part of a continued Garda investigation into the Waterford fire that claimed the lives of two adults and two children, but no arrests have been made. An Garda Síochána said the investigation is "intense in nature and very active" and a number of electronic devices and vehicles seized in Tuesday evening's searches are now subject to technical examination.
Gardaí said on Wednesday that they still believe the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown, and that the fire was started deliberately. The investigation is being carried out by the Serious Crime Unit in Waterford Garda Station, and Gardaí are appealing for information.
