Four people have died following a deliberate house fire in Waterford City, Ireland, prompting police to open a murder investigation.
The incident happened at a house on Birch Avenue in the Birchwood area of Waterford City shortly after 5am on Tuesday, October 13.
Gardaí confirmed that two adults, a man and a woman, and two of their children died in the blaze. The victims have been named locally as Philip and Kim English.
Two other children were rescued from the property and taken to hospital. They are currently receiving treatment for critical injuries at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin in Dublin.
Emergency services including Waterford Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service and Gardaí responded after the fire was reported at about 5:13am.
Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit said the house has been declared a crime scene and An Garda Síochána believe the fire was started deliberately by a person or persons unknown.
An incident room has been set up at Waterford Garda Station, a Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed, and Family Liaison Officers are supporting the extended family.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4:30am and 5:30am on Tuesday, or who was driving in the area and may have dashcam footage, to contact them.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the incident as a deeply disturbing situation and thanked first responders, while Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said he strongly condemns the harrowing attack and confirmed the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation is supporting the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.
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