Gardaí believe fire killing four people was started deliberately
Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit addresses the media on arson attack that killed four people in Waterford this morning. Photo: Garda Press Office
An Garda Síochána believe that the Birch Avenue house in Waterford city was attacked by a person or persons unknown and that the fire was started deliberately.
Two of the victims who were killed in the blaze this morning have been named locally as husband and wife, Philip and Kim English.
Two of their children have also died, and two more of their children are currently admitted to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin, where they are receiving treatment for critical injuries.
Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit, Waterford/Kilkenny Garda Division, said during a Press Conference this afternoon that the house at Birch Avenue has been declared a crime scene and is currently subject to a technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.
The Waterford Coroner’s office and the State Pathologist have been notified.
Chief Superintendent Pettit said: “The remains of the deceased have been removed from the scene and post-mortems will be carried out at University Hospital Waterford by Prof. Linda Mulligan, Chief State Pathologist, and Dr. SallyAnne Collis, State Pathologist.
“This investigation is being coordinated from an incident room at Waterford Garda Station under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer.
“The investigation is being carried out by the Serious Crime Unit Waterford Garda Station, supported by Divisional resources and the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and all other resources as necessary.
“Family Liaison Officers have been appointed to the bereaved family.”
Gardaí in Waterford are appealing to any person who has information on this multiple murder and arson attack to speak with investigating members.
In particular, Gardaí wish to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4.30am and 5.30am this morning Tuesday, October 13.
Gardaí are also appealing to anyone who was driving in the vicinity of Birchwood, or the adjoining roads, between 4.30am and 5.30am this morning, who may have dashcam footage or images to make such footage available to investigating Gardaí.
The investigation team can be contacted at the incident room at Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Meanwhile, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said in a statement this afternoon that he is "confident those responsible for this brutal and heinous act will be brought to justice to face the full rigour of the law".
The Minister added: "This shocking event has had a very significant impact not just on the people of Waterford but on the whole country. There is no place in a civilised society for such a heinous act of violence.
"I have spoken with the Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, who has assured me that a murder investigation, supported by the National Bureau for Criminal Investigation, is underway."
