LAST UPDATE | 3 hrs ago

TWO PARENTS AND two children were killed following an early morning arson attack and house fire in Waterford city, while two other children are being treated in hospital for critical injuries.

The parents who died have been named locally as Philip and Kim English.

Gardaí have launched a murder investigation following the incident, and it’s understood they are examining the possibility of a petrol bomb being used.

It’s understood that there had been an attempt to firebomb the same house several weeks ago.

Gardaí confirmed this morning that Philip and Kim English, as well as two of their children, died in the blaze at a two-storey house in the Birchwood housing estate.

Two other children – a teenage girl and a young boy – were removed from the scene and are receiving hospital treatment for critical injuries.

They were treated in University Hospital Waterford overnight before being transferred to a children’s hospital in Dublin this morning. 

In a statement this lunchtime, gardai say they have “commenced a murder investigation into the arson attack and fatal house fire”.

Two of those who died were pronounced dead at the scene and two others died in hospital. 

Speaking to reporters outside Waterford Garda Station this afternoon, Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit said investigators believe the house was targeted.

“An Garda Síochána believe that the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown and that the fire was started deliberately,” Pettit said.

Pettit confirmed that the house has been declared a crime scene and is undergoing a technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.

He said the State Pathologist and Waterford Coroner had been notified, with post-mortem examinations to be carried out at University Hospital Waterford.

The murder investigation is being led by the Serious Crime Unit at Waterford Garda Station, supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has paid tribute to those affected, describing the fire as a “very worrying and deeply disturbing situation”.

The fire broke out at a house on Birch Avenue in the Birchwood housing estate, around 3km south of Waterford city centre, near the city’s ring road.

Waterford Fire Service said it was alerted to the fire at 5.13am, with a number of units from surrounding stations responding.

On arrival, firefighters found a “well-developed fire” at the two-storey house.

Firefighting operations began immediately, and a number of casualties were removed from the property.

The scene remains closed off. PA PA

An incident room has been established at Waterford Garda Station and family liaison officers have also been appointed.

Pettit appealed to anyone who was near Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4.30am and 5.30am this morning to contact investigating gardaí.

Gardaí are particularly interested in hearing from motorists who were driving in the area or on adjoining roads during that hour and may have dashcam footage.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station,” a garda spokesperson said.

‘Harrowing attack’

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “harrowing” incident that had shocked the entire country.

“There is no place in a civilised society for such a heinous act of violence,” he said.

O’Callaghan said he had spoken to Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, who assured him that a murder investigation was underway with support from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

“I am confident those responsible for this brutal and heinous act will be brought to justice to face the full rigour of the law,” O’Callaghan said.

The minister also expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and said his thoughts were with the two children being treated in hospital.

Local councillor Declan Barry said residents were in a state of “disbelief” following the fire.

“It’s like they’re after coming out of a bomb or something like that. They just don’t know how to react, just disbelief, really,” he told The Journal.

Barry said Waterford City and County Council had opened a support hub in the Butler Community Centre in nearby St John’s Park to provide support to residents affected by the tragedy.

He encouraged anyone struggling with the news to visit the centre, where support and counselling would be available.

“Even if people just want to talk and want to have a cup of tea and try and process the thing, the support is there,” Barry said.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid tribute to the victims and first responders this morning, and urged people “to give space to the first responders and to the gardaí” to deal with the incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with anybody who has lost their lives, or to all who were affected,” Martin said.

Gardaí remain at the scene. PA PA

Speaking to RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland, local Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane described the incident as “utterly heartbreaking”, saying the tragedy had devastated the local community.

“There is such devastation in the housing estate itself, as you can imagine, but also in the wider community in Waterford city,” Cullinane said.

“Obviously, there is shock, but people will know the family, and there is absolute heartbreak when you have children involved as well.”

Cullinane said he knew the family personally and had met one of its members very recently.

“I’m in shock myself still, and my heart is broke,” he said.

The TD also paid tribute to the emergency services who attended the scene, saying firefighters and paramedics had themselves been affected by what they witnessed.

“It’s a very close-knit community, and I know there is tears on that road, as you can imagine, and just people absolutely devastated and just still in shock,” he said.

“People will pull together, as communities do, but this is just utterly devastating and heartbreaking beyond belief.”

Fine Gael TD John Cummins said the city had been “plunged into utter devastation and sadness” following the fire.

“My deepest sympathies go to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, their friends, neighbours and the wider community,” Cummins said.

“I know that in the difficult days and weeks ahead, the community will rally around those affected, offering strength, compassion and support in whatever way we can.”

Bishop Alphonsus Cullinane of Waterford and Lismore described the fire as a “terrible tragedy”.

“Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered such unimaginable loss,” Cullinane said in a statement.

“I ask all the faithful throughout the Diocese to join me in praying for those who have died, for their grieving families and loved ones, and for everyone affected by these dreadful events.”

Local priest Fr Gerry Chestnutt described the fire as an “immense tragedy” and said a “deep deep cloud” had come over Waterford’s Sacred Heart parish.

He described it as a very tight-knit area, adding that the wider family would get support from throughout the community.