LAST UPDATE | 3 hrs ago

TWO PEOPLE HAVE appeared before court in connection with an investigation into a house fire in Waterford that claimed the lives of four members of the same family.

Cian Stacey (21), of no fixed abode, and Jessica Dalton (31), with an address in Waterford city, appeared at a special sitting of Clonmel District Court this evening, each charged with one count of criminal damage and two counts of assault causing serious harm.

Judge Andrew Gubbins presided over the court. 

A woman (centre) arriving for a special sitting at Clonmel District Court (Jonathan McCambridge/PA)

Dalton appeared in court wearing a black sports top and leggings. Stacey wore a grey tracksuit top.

Detective Sergeant Michael Burke told the court that Dalton was charged with the three offences at 2.45pm on Saturday at Waterford Garda Station and made no reply.

Her barrister Ciaran Murphy said she consented to being remanded in custody until Tuesday at Waterford District Court.

He made an application for legal aid, saying she was a lone parent and not in employment.

Detective Sergeant Brian O’Callaghan told the court that Stacey made no reply when he was charged at 2.44pm at Waterfront Garda Station.

Murphy made no application for bail and Stacey was remanded to appear by videolink on Tuesday at Waterfront District Court.

The lawyer made an application for legal aid.

Philip and Kim English and their two children, Jayden and Callum, died following the fire at their home in Waterford on Tuesday.

Gardaí have carried out seven searches as part of the investigation, with a number of items seized for examination.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said An Garda Síochána had given “every resource” to the investigation.

A joint funeral for the four family members is due to take place in Waterford on Monday.

With reporting by PA