Gardaí have continued their murder investigation into an arson attack in Waterford that claimed the lives of two adults and two children, with multiple properties searched on Tuesday evening but no arrests made.
An Garda Síochána described the investigation as “intense in nature and very active,” and said a number of electronic devices and vehicles have been seized and are now subject to technical examination.
Victims and injuries
The deaths of Philip and Kim English, who were named locally, were confirmed on Tuesday morning. Two other children were critically injured in the blaze and have been admitted to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin, where they are still receiving treatment for critical injuries.
On Wednesday, the Taoiseach said the Government will put in place all resources needed for the Garda investigation and for community supports, as he thanked first responders for dealing with “what was a very traumatic situation.”
Government response
“Our thoughts are still very much on the shocking murder yesterday of the members of the English family,” he said. “The situation is extremely shocking in terms of the level of violence and the consequences of an entire family to be impacted in this manner, and I think we, as a government, will ensure that the full resources are behind An Garda Síochána.”
He added that it is a period to examine and reflect on the phenomenon of arson attacks on innocent people, and that the Minister for Justice and others will be working to stamp this out and deal “very resolutely and robustly” with it.
Scene and community support
On Wednesday morning, the scene in the Birchwood area was silent, with only a few Gardaí at the crime scene cordon, joined by passing residents. This contrasted with the previous day, when emergency vehicles came and went and crowds filled the surrounding roads.
Gardaí said 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.
A community hub has been set up in the nearby Butler Community Centre, where councillors are available to speak to locals. Six psychologists have also been allocated to local schools to help support children.
School and community reaction
Speaking after laying flowers at the house on Wednesday, the school principal of the two children who were killed said the school will do everything to make school life normal for the rest of the pupils. Caroline Douris described one of the children as “a lovely young fella” and said the other “lights up the school every day with that smile as he comes through the door.”
“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 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 euro to help with funeral costs.
President Catherine Connolly expressed her “deepest condolences” to the family and friends of the victims, calling the attack “appalling” and saying thoughts are with the two children in critical condition and the first responders.
Appeal for information
Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit made a public appeal for information, saying emergency services responded to the fire shortly after 5am and that two adults and two children died in the fire. He confirmed the house in Birch Avenue has been declared a crime scene.
He added that Gardaí wish to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4.30am and 5.30am, and anyone driving in the vicinity who may have dashcam footage.
A neighbour who rang the emergency services when the fire broke out said, “It’s just devastating – a whole family nearly wiped out.” The woman, who did not want to be named, added that the community would have to rally together: “We just have to stick together now and just look after each other.”
