Gardaí confirm multiple searches across Waterford as no arrests made at this stage amid Birchwood tragedy
Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit, addresses the media on arson attack that killed four people in Waterford this morning. Photo: Garda Press Office
Multiple searches have been carried out across Waterford City as Gardaí continue their investigation into the deaths of Philip English, his wife Kim English, and their two young sons, Callum and Jayden, following a fatal arson attack and house fire in the Birchwood area in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The major investigation remains ongoing following the tragedy at the family's home on Birch Avenue shortly after 5am on October 13.
Two children who survived the blaze and were transferred to Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin continue to receive treatment for their injuries. Gardaí said their condition remains critical.
The house at Birch Avenue remains a crime scene and is continuing to undergo a detailed technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.
Post-mortem examinations on the four deceased are continuing at University Hospital Waterford under the direction of Chief State Pathologist Prof. Linda Mulligan and State Pathologist Dr SallyAnne Collis.
Family Liaison Officers remain in contact with the bereaved family as the investigation progresses.
The inquiry is being coordinated from an incident room at Waterford Garda Station under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer, with support from divisional resources, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and other specialist Garda units.
Gardaí described the investigation as both intensive and highly active, confirming that multiple searches were carried out at a number of premises across Waterford City on Tuesday evening.
A number of electronic devices and vehicles were seized during the searches and are now undergoing technical examination as part of the investigation.
No arrests have been made at this stage.
An Garda Síochána also acknowledged the considerable support received from the Waterford community, both for the Garda investigation and for the family affected by the tragedy.
Speaking on Wednesday, Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit of the Waterford/Kilkenny Garda Division reiterated Garda belief that the fire was started deliberately.
"An Garda Síochána believes that the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown and that the fire was started deliberately," he said.
"There are people in the community who know the person or persons who carried out this arson attack in which four people have been murdered.
"If you have any information on the murderous arson attack, please speak to the Garda investigation team at Waterford Garda Station, contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána that you know."
Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4.30am and 5.30am on Tuesday morning to come forward.
Investigators are particularly anxious to hear from motorists travelling in the Birchwood area or on adjoining roads during that period who may have dashcam footage or images that could assist the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room at Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
