Gardaí believe a deliberate fire that killed four members of a family, including two children, in Waterford City may have been linked to drug gang intimidation.
Philip and Kim English died alongside their sons, Callum, 12, and Jayden, nine, after a fire broke out at their home in the Birchwood Estate.
Two other children, a teenage girl and a young boy, were also injured in the incident and are being treated at Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin in Dublin.
Gardaí are investigating the deaths as murder, with investigators believing the attack may have been intended to target a car parked outside the property rather than the family inside.
Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit said at a briefing at Waterford Garda Station on Tuesday afternoon: “An Garda Síochána believe that the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown and that the fire was started deliberately.”
Investigators believe the fire spread rapidly from the vehicle to the house, resulting in the deaths of the four family members.
Gardaí suspect the attack may have been connected to drug debt intimidation, with those responsible allegedly attempting to intimidate people known to members of the family rather than targeting anyone inside the property.
The house had reportedly been targeted on several occasions in recent years, including just weeks before the fatal fire.
In 2023, paint was thrown over the family's car at the address. Speaking to Waterford's WLR radio after that incident, Philip and Kim English said they were shocked by what had happened and had no idea why they had been targeted.
The scene remains sealed off as forensic examinations continue, with Gardaí working to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire and identify those responsible.
The deaths have left the local community in shock, with tributes paid to the family on Tuesday afternoon.
One local woman, whose eldest son was a close friend of one of the boys who died, described the tragedy as “absolutely heartbreaking” when speaking to The Journal.
“It’s absolutely devastating, especially for a woman that just adored her kids. Her life revolved around her children,” she said.
“It shouldn’t happen anywhere. We should be able to be safe in our own homes. Why would people be coming in, knowing that there’s four little kids, and set fire to the house?”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the incident as a “very worrying and deeply disturbing situation”, while President Catherine Connolly said the killings were “horrific”.
A prayer vigil is due to take place at 5pm on Wednesday at the Sacred Heart Church in Waterford, giving people an opportunity to come together to remember the family and support those affected by the tragedy.
In a post on Facebook, the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore invited members of the public to attend.
“We invite the people of Waterford to come together in prayer for those who have lost their lives, their grieving families and loved ones, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.
“All are warmly welcome to attend,” the statement said.
