Two young boys who were killed alongside their parents in a suspected arson attack in Ireland have been named as emotional tributes to the family flood social media.
A fundraising appeal has been set up to help a grieving family pay for the funerals of four relatives who died in a suspected arson attack at their home on the outskirts of Waterford in the Republic of Ireland.
Family killed in early morning fire
Philip English and his wife Kim, both in their late 40s, died alongside two of their children, Callum and Jayden, who were both under the age of 10, after a fire broke out at their home in the Birchwood estate near Waterford city in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Their two other children were rescued by emergency services and remain in critical condition at Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin in south Dublin.
Investigators suspect a petrol bomb was thrown at the front door of the family home shortly after 5am, reports Dublin Live.
Fundraiser launched after 'unimaginable tragedy'
As relatives and friends struggle to come to terms with the devastating loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the cost of four funerals and relieve some of the financial pressure on the family.
Organiser Shannon Brazil said the family was seeking support following an "unimaginable tragedy" that had left their lives shattered.
In an emotional message accompanying the campaign, she wrote: "With the heaviest of hearts, we are reaching out to ask for help following an unimaginable tragedy that has devastated our family."
"On Tuesday, October 13, our beloved Phillip and Kim English, along with their two beautiful children, Callum and Jayden, both under the age of 10, tragically lost their lives in a house fire. There are no words to describe the heartbreak of losing four precious lives in such devastating circumstances."
The surviving children remain in hospital in critical condition.
Surviving siblings in critical condition
"Tragically, two other siblings are also currently in hospital in critical condition," Ms Brazil wrote. "Our family is enduring an incredibly difficult time, holding on to hope for those still fighting while trying to process the devastating loss of our loved ones."
She explained that the funds raised would be handed directly to the children's grandfather, Paddy, to help meet funeral costs and provide support to relatives as they navigate the coming weeks.
"We have created this GoFundMe to help ease the financial burden of funeral expenses during this heartbreaking time. All money raised will go directly to Paddy, the children's grandfather, to help cover these costs and support the family through the days and weeks ahead."
She expressed her gratitude to everyone who had contributed to the appeal, shared it with others or offered their support during the family's darkest hours. She also encouraged people who could not donate to help spread the fundraiser.
"Phillip, Kim, Callum and Jayden will forever be loved and never forgotten. We pray for strength for our family and hold on to hope for the two siblings still in hospital. May they rest in eternal peace. Forever in our hearts."
Tributes from local football club
Meanwhile, a local football club has paid tribute to young Callum, remembering the boy and his parents as much-loved members of its community.
Johnville FC said it was "absolutely heartbroken and devastated" by the deaths. "Kim and Philip were familiar and friendly faces around our club, always there supporting Callum at his matches. It is incredibly difficult to comprehend that a family we knew so well has been taken from us in such tragic circumstances," they said.
Callum had been part of the Johnville FC community for five years, the club said, first joining its academy before moving through the club's underage teams, from under-11 to under-14.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with all the family, their relatives and friends following this unimaginable loss," the statement read.
"We are also thinking of those who are still fighting for their lives in hospital, and we sincerely hope they can pull through."
The club also appealed to anyone with information that could assist Gardaí investigating the suspected arson attack to contact the authorities. It stressed that even details that might initially appear insignificant could help investigators establish what happened.
"Football is about so much more than what happens on the pitch. It is about people, friendships and community. Today, our Johnville family and the surrounding community is hurting alongside everyone who knew and loved this family."
"From everyone at Johnville FC, we send our love and deepest condolences to all those affected. You will always be part of our club family."
Those wishing to contribute to the family's funeral expenses can visit the GoFundMe appeal Help Our Family Lay Phillip, Kim, Callum and Jayden to Rest.
