Murder investigation continues into fire that killed four in Waterford
Multiple properties have been searched as part of a continued Garda investigation into the Waterford fire that claimed the lives of two adults and two children, but no arrests have been made.
An Garda Síochána said the investigation is “intense in nature and very active” and a number of electronic devices and vehicles seized in Tuesday evening’s searches are now subject to technical examination. The victims have been named locally as Philip and Kim English and their sons Callum, 12, and Jayden, nine. 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 the Garda 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.” Taoiseach Micheál Martin 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.” On Wednesday morning, the scene in the Birchwood area of Waterford, where the fire broke out, was silent. A few members of An Garda Síochána stood at the crime scene cordon, still obstructing access to the road where the fire happened. 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 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. 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 from Scoil Lorcáin boys national school paid tribute to Callum and Jayden. “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 raise more that 27,000 euro to help with funeral costs. Waterford TD John Cummins said that the family had been in his constituency office in the past and said his office staff are really upset. Asked if they had expressed concerns about their safety in that meeting, he said they had not, but added that he had spoken to the Chief Superintendent yesterday and “An Garda Síochána are following a direct line of investigation”. He added: “There’s no words to describe this. It’s definitely upsetting. Everyone is really hurt and upset by what’s happening.” Irish President Catherine Connolly has 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. Garda Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit has made a public appeal for information.
Published: by Radio NewsHub