Four family members killed in Waterford arson attack

Four members of a family have died following a petrol bomb attack at their home in County Waterford, according to reports by RTÉ and The Irish Times. Gardaí have launched a murder investigation after an incendiary device was brought to the house in the Birchwood estate, located approximately three kilometres outside Waterford city centre, shortly after five in the morning on Tuesday. [2][3]

The victims were named locally as Philip and Kim English, alongside their two sons, Callum, aged 12, and Jayden. RTÉ reported that Jayden was nine years old, while The Irish Times stated that Jayden was eight years old. Two other children, aged 14 and six, were rescued from the burning building and remain in critical condition at Children's Health Ireland in Crumlin, Dublin. [2][3]

According to independent.ie and The Irish Times, the English family was living in fear and had requested a council housing transfer because they felt unsafe. The Irish Times reported that gardaí believe the attack was linked to recent violence by a local drugs gang. It was the second time in less than a month that the property had been targeted as part of drug-debt intimidation, independent.ie noted. [1][2]

Gardaí confirmed that they have a number of clear suspects as part of the ongoing murder inquiry, according to The Irish Times. [2]