Multiple properties were searched on Tuesday evening as part of a continued Garda investigation into the Waterford fire that claimed the lives of two adults and two children, but no arrests were made.
An Garda Síochána said the investigation is “intense in nature and very active” and a number of electronic devices and vehicles have been seized which are now subject to technical examination.
Victims and family appeal
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.
An uncle of Philip English has called on anyone with information to come forward. James English, who said he is the godfather of one of the children who died, said: “Whoever did it, he better feel ashamed of himself.
Mr English called on any witnesses to go to An Garda Síochána with whatever information they have. “Well, whoever knows, they’d want to turn up and own up, whoever done it,” he said. “At the end of the day, we have a loss of family now, wiped out. So please, whoever done it, own up, be a man.”
Government and community response
The Taoiseach said on Wednesday that the Government will put in place all resources needed for the Garda investigation, and for community supports, as he thanked the first responders for dealing with “what was a very traumatic situation”.
“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.
“It’s also a period we have to really examine and reflect on this phenomenon of arson attacks on innocent people, and with absolutely no consideration for human life and for the impact of such actions, and I know the Minister for Justice and others will be working extremely hard to stamp this out and to deal very resolutely and robustly with this.”
Scene and investigation details
On Wednesday morning, the scene in the Birchwood area of Waterford, where the fire took place, was silent. Only a few members of An Garda Síochána stood at the crime scene cordon, still obstructing access to the road where the fire took place. They were joined only by passing residents.
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.
School and community support
Speaking after laying flowers at the house on Wednesday, the school principal of the two children who were killed said that the school will do everything to make school life normal for the rest of the pupils. Surrounded by a group of teachers who also brought flowers, 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. So we’re lucky from that perspective that we do have a wonderful staff, and the boys will be at the forefront of everything.”
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. 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.
Irish President Catherine Connolly expressed her “deepest condolences” to the family and friends of the victims. “This was an appalling attack and all of our thoughts are with the two children currently in critical condition in hospital for a full recovery and with the first responders who have been on the scene and treating them,” she said.
Police appeal and witness call
Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit has made a public appeal for information. He said: “An Garda Síochána has commenced a murder investigation into the arson attack and fatal house fire that occurred at a domestic residence in Birch Avenue, Birchwood, Waterford City, this morning. Emergency services, including Waterford Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service and gardaí responded to the fire shortly after 5am. Two adults (a male and a female) and two of their children died in the fire.”
Mr Pettit said that two other children have been admitted to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin where they are still receiving treatment for critical injuries. “My thoughts, and the thoughts of all members of An Garda Síochána and the community are with the extended family at this time,” he added.
The senior officer said the house in Birch Avenue has been declared a crime scene. He added: “Gardaí in Waterford are appealing to any person who has information on this multiple murder and arson attack to speak with investigating members. In particular, gardaí wish to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4.30am and 5.30am this morning. Gardaí are also appealing to anyone who was driving in the vicinity of Birchwood, or the adjoining roads, between 4.30am and 5.30am this morning who may have dashcam footage or images to make such footage available.”
Four units of the fire brigade returned to the site just before 6pm on Tuesday evening as smoke was seen rising from the property.
A neighbour who rang the emergency services when the fire broke out spoke of her sadness. “It’s just devastating – a whole family nearly wiped out,” the woman, who did not want to be named, told the Press Association. “At quarter past five this morning I rang the fire brigade. I could hear it all unfolding behind me. The dog actually woke me up barking. I’m just so upset. I think the council are offering some kind of counselling down in the community centre there. I might go down.”
The woman said she knew the family who lived in the house well, describing them as “nice” people. She said the community would now have to rally together, adding: “We just have to stick together now and just look after each other.”
