Couple killed with 2 children in ‘heinous’ Waterford arson attack pictured as 2 more kids critical amid murder probe

TRIBUTES have been paid to a couple killed along with two of their children in a “heinous” arson attack in Waterford city.

The tragic pair have been named as Philip and Kim English, who lost their lives in the fire which broke out shortly after 5am this morning.

Gardai confirmed two other children are fighting for their lives in hospital following the blaze in Birchwood estate, Kilcohan.

A murder investigation has been launched into the fire at the two-storey semi-detached house.

The National Bureau of Criminal Investigation has now arrived in Waterford to assist in the investigation and officers are now carrying out door to door inquiries in the area.

Hearses were seen removing the four bodies from the scene earlier this morning.

Pictures showed burnt-out windows at the back of the house.

A spokesperson for the force said: “An Garda Siochana have commenced a murder investigation into the arson attack and fatal house fire that occurred in the Birchwood area of Waterford City shortly after 5am this morning, Tuesday, 13th October 2026.”

“[We] have confirmed that two adults (one male and one female) and two of their children are deceased.

“Two other children have been removed from the scene and are receiving hospital treatment for critical injuries.”

An incident room has been set up at Waterford Garda Station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed.

A number of units from local fire stations rushed to the scene earlier this morning and on arrival found a well-developed fire.

Firefighting operations began immediately and a number of casualties were removed from the two-storey house.

The fire was extinguished and the scene handed over to gardai. A large cordon and a heavy garda presence remains in place this afternoon.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan described the fire as a “heinous act of violence” and said the perpetrators “will be brought to justice”.

He said: “This is a really serious investigation for An Garda Síochana.

“They have an excellent record when it comes to bringing to justice people responsible for these heinous acts of violence and I believe the same will happen here.

“Those responsible for this heinous act of violence will be brought to justice and will face the full vigour of the law.”

Speaking in the Dail today, both Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald expressed their shock and sadness.

Martin said that the situation was “evolving” and that the murder investigation added to the “sense of shock and incomprehension”.

He continued: “The thoughts and prayers of everybody in this Dail are with the community in Waterford and also with the first responders.

“We have to take a moment to reflect, the trauma they encountered on the way into that house this morning cannot be comprehended and will leave an impact.”

McDonald described a “scene of utter devastation and heartbreak” in Waterford.

She said gardai are now carrying out a “major investigation” and that the community needed every support possible.

A neighbour who rang the emergency services when the fire broke out in Waterford has spoken of her sadness.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s just devastating – a whole family nearly wiped out.”

Minister of State Mary Butler, who is a TD for Waterford, said she was “heartbroken” for the family and friends of the victims of the fire.

She described the alleged arson attack as “truly tragic and deeply disturbing”.

Local Fianna Fail councillor Jason Murphy described hearing sirens “screeching” past his house this morning and “knowing something terrible was after happening”.

He told The Irish Sun that the pain in the local area this morning is “beyond comprehension”.

Speaking to reporters at the scene, he said: “The perpetrators of the arson attack in Waterford would face the full rigours of the law.

“We know that it was malicious, which I suppose makes it even worse,” he said.

“I hope whoever those perpetrators are are caught fairly soon and will face the full rigours of the law and that justice will be done.”

He described the area as “eerily quiet today”, and how children would normally be out playing on the green in the estate.

Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane said that Waterford is “a community in mourning” and the murder probe added “another level of shock to what has happened”.

He said: “What has happened in Waterford today is beyond shocking. There is an enormous sense of grief, trauma and heartbreak across the entire community.

“I knew the family very well, and I am utterly devastated. Like so many people across Waterford, I am struggling to find the words to describe the shock and sadness we are all feeling.

“The loss of life is heartbreaking. The fact that children are among those who have lost their lives makes this tragedy even more difficult to comprehend.”

Local TD John Cummins said Waterford had been “plunged into utter devastation and sadness” following the “tragic loss of lives overnight”.

He told us: “At times of unimaginable sadness, it is the kindness and solidarity of a close-knit community that can provide some comfort to those who need it most.

“This is a devastating loss and as a county, we stand together in grief and solidarity at this difficult time.”

Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore said the two children who died in the house fire on Tuesday morning should be at school on this “beautiful day in the sunshine”.

He said: “They should be running around the yard there now, and yet they’re dead, and two more then in hospital.”

Father Gerard Chestnutt, who is parish priest at Sacred Heart Church at The Folly in Waterford, said it was a “day of immense sadness”.

He said: “People are devastated, in particular here in the Birchwood estate, because the family are well known.

“The community is well established, it’s a very tight knit community. As you can see, there’s many people out on the street here, and they’re all absolutely heartbroken.

“But it goes beyond here as well. The wider community is absolutely devastated. Our school communities, the primary schools are absolutely heartbroken, both the staff and students.

“And I would know the family very well. It’s a day of immense sadness for this entire community.”

He added: “There’s no words even that people can find to try to grasp or try to understand what’s happened.”

Waterford City and County Council has set up a support hub for those affected by the fire at the Butler Community Centre in St John’s Park.

Gardai have urged anyone who may be able to assist in the investigation to come forward.

A spokesperson for the force said: “An Garda Siochana are appealing to any person with any information on this multiple murder and arson attack to contact the Garda investigation team.

“An Garda Siochana is also appealing to any person in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, Waterford City in the early hours of Tuesday, 13th October to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”