A row over an alleged €20,000 drug debt could be the reason a family of four tragically perished in an arson attack inside a home in Co Waterford this week. Two other children were left critically injured in the devastating fire.
Family targeted for some time, son claims
John James English, son of Philip English who tragically died alongside his wife Kim and their two children Callum, 12, and Jayden, 9, made the claims. His remarks came as hundreds gathered for a vigil last night in the Birchwood area of Co Waterford, where the local parish priest urged those behind the attack to "to stand up, admit what you did and face the legal consequences".
Gardai are currently conducting what's being described as an "intense investigation" into the arson attack on the family home - several properties have been searched and numerous electronic devices and vehicles confiscated. Reports suggest it was a petrol bombing.
Son insists family were innocent
John James English, son of Mr English, stated the family had been targeted for some time but insisted they were not involved in drugs and were "innocent". He said the family had no debt, alluding that whoever carried out the petrol bomb attack may have the family confused for another.
John added that his mum, Philip's first wife, had also been petrol-bombed previously. Speaking to RTÉ News last night, he said: "It's a family, you know. Twenty grand worth of a debt; is that worth nearly five lives?" reports Cork Beo.
Priest appeals for courage and information
During a prayer vigil at Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday evening, Father Gerry Chestnutt encouraged the local community to "wrap each other in love".
"We may even find words hard to speak, but our emotions can be shown," he told the congregation of around 500. "Each one of us knows that what happened in Birch Avenue yesterday should never, ever have happened."
"An innocent family preparing for a new day should have done what they did every day: parents preparing their children for school. An innocent family taken from our midst in a most horrific and violent way."
"I want to say, even though they're not here, that the persons responsible need to have the courage now to stand up, admit what you did and face the legal consequences of what you did."
"And I would also say to all here present: if you know anything whatsoever about what happened on Birch Avenue, please contact An Garda Síochána."
Family and community react
Philip English's uncle has urged anyone with information to step forward. James English, who revealed he is also godfather to one of the children who perished, said: "Whoever did it, he better feel ashamed of himself."
He appealed for any witnesses to approach the gardaí with whatever details they possess, adding: "Well, whoever knows, they'd want to turn up and own up, whoever done it. 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."
Philip English's former spouse Anne English described them as a joyful family. "I just have no words. I'm lost and I'm going to be lost without them," she said.
"She's (Kim English) my best friend. We were very, very close. I heard when I got a phone call from one of my family and I jumped out up of bed."
"Since then I am numb. I am just shocked. The family is very close. Very happy. I have no words, just disbelief. They were a lovely couple. Never bothering anyone. The kids were his (Philip's) life."
She urged anyone with information to come forward. "It's just a devastating loss for everyone in the community, the wider family and schools," Mrs English added.
Government and community support
Taoiseach Micheál Martin declared on Wednesday that the Government will provide all necessary resources for the garda investigation and community support, while praising first responders for handling "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.
Local residents packed the green space in Birchwood for a balloon release ceremony on Wednesday evening to honour the lives of the four people who perished in the blaze. Relatives tearfully sang You'll Never Walk Alone as hundreds of balloons soared into the evening sky. One neighbourhood mum told her young child: "They're waiting up there to catch them all."
After laying flowers at the property on Wednesday, the headteacher of the school attended by the two young victims pledged they would do everything to restore normality for remaining pupils.
Accompanied by a group of staff members who also brought floral tributes, Caroline Douris from Scoil Lorcáin Boys' National School paid her respects to Callum and Jayden. "We just want to extend sympathies to the community and to the family," she said.
Six psychologists have been assigned to local schools to provide support for children, and a community hub has been established at the nearby Butler Community Centre, where councillors are on hand to chat with residents.
