Couple in the fatal Birchwood house fire named locally
The late Kim and Philip English, who were killed in a suspected arson attack at their home in Birch Terrace, Birchwood, on Tuesday morning.
Two of the victims of this morning's devastating house fire in Waterford City have been named locally as husband and wife, Philip and Kim English.
The couple, along with two of the children, lost their lives when a fire broke out at their home on Birch Avenue in the Birchwood estate, a tragedy that has sent shockwaves throughout the city and beyond.
Gardaí have since launched a murder investigation into the incident, which occurred shortly after 5am this morning (Tuesday). An incident room has been established at Waterford Garda Station, while a senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the inquiry. Family liaison officers are also supporting relatives as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the fatal fire.
Two other children who were rescued from the house were brought to University Hospital Waterford, but have since been transferred to Crumlin where they are receiving treatment for critical injuries.
Gardaí have appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward as they work to establish exactly what happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
