A murder investigation is continuing into a suspected arson attack on a house in Waterford City that claimed the lives of two adults and two children. 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.
Scene quiet on Wednesday morning
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.
The scene was in contrast to the previous day, when Garda and fire service vehicles came and went, and a crowd of locals and members of the media filled the surrounding roads and greens. Gardaí said on Wednesday morning that there was no overnight update. They said they still believe that the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown, and that the fire was started deliberately.
Investigation and community support
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.
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.
Chief Superintendent's appeal
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 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: “An Garda Síochána believe that the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown and that the fire was started deliberately.
“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.”
Neighbour describes devastation
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.”
