Heartbreaking tributes as boys, 9 & 12, killed with parents in Waterford arson murder named and 2 kids remain critical
THE two children killed alongside their parents in an arson attack on a Waterford house have been named.
Callum English, 12, and his nine-year-old brother Jayden, died with their dad Philip and mum Kim in the horror blaze in the Birchwood area of Waterford City at around 5am this morning.
Two other kids, aged 14 and 12, are in a critical condition in the children’s hospital in Crumlin after the horror blaze.
Local football club Johnville FC paid tribute to Callum, who was part of the club for five years, starting out in the academy and playing underage from U11 to U14.
The club also offered its deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of Kim, Philip and their other boy.
The club said: “It is incredibly difficult to comprehend that a family we knew so well has been taken from us in such tragic circumstances.
“Callum was part of the Johnville FC family for five years, starting out in our academy before progressing through our underage teams from U11 to U14.
“He was part of our U11 team that proudly won the league two seasons ago.
“All his team- mates and coaches are absolutely devastated by the news; the pain of this tragedy will take a long time to heal.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with all the family, their relatives and friends following this unimaginable loss.
“We are also thinking of those who are still fighting for their lives in hospital, and we sincerely hope they can pull through.”
A murder investigation has now 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.
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.
As part of their probe tonight, investigators carried out raids on homes in the area.
This comes after the grown-up son of Philip said he is “lost for words” and “devastated” following their deaths.
The family, which includes three boys and one girl, was in the house in the early hours when the arson attack took place.
The couple, who have been described as well-known and liked in the area, were previously targeted in an attempted arson attack on the family home, which gardai are also probing.
Philip’s son from a previous relationship, John James English, said his brother rang him this morning to tell him the devastating news.
The 33-year-old said: “I’m devastated, it’s heartbreaking and cruel.
“No one deserves what those little kids, my brothers and sister and dad and his wife had happen.
“They had their whole lives ahead of them. It’s just crazy carry on, it’s out of this world knowing that innocent children got this cruel act of evil.
“I loved them and I’m lost for words and in a state of shock. I’m just heartbroken and don’t know what to do or say because nothing will bring them back.
“I hope the people who are responsible feel the full force of the law. Devastation is an understatement.”
Mayor of Waterford, Liam Brazil, and the mayor of Waterford Metropolitan District, Lola O’Sullivan, released a joint statement expressing their devastation over the blaze and loss of lives.
It read: “We are devastated and heartbroken by the tragedy that unfolded in Birch Avenue this morning.
“Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of those who lost their lives so tragically in the fatal house fire.
“No one is untouched by this event, and we would appeal to neighbours, friends and the wider community to be there for each other during this harrowing time.”
Meanwhile, a Garda spokesman said: “An Garda Siochana are investigating all the circumstances of a fatal house fire that occurred in the Birchwood area of Waterford City shortly after 5am this morning, Tuesday, 13th October 2026.
“Gardai and emergency services remain at the scene. An Garda Siochana can confirm two adults (one male and one female) and two 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. Family liaison officers have also been appointed.”
They added: “An Garda Siochana are appealing for information from anyone who may have been 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.
“As this is an ongoing evolving incident An Garda Siochana is not in a position to provide any further detail at present.”
Meanwhile, a prayer vigil will due to be held tomorrow evening in Waterford city in memory of the tragic victims.
The event will take place at the Sacred Heart Church at 5pm, with the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore saying all are welcome to attend.
The notice posted online said: “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.
“May those who have died rest in eternal peace, and may their families find strength, comfort and consolation in the prayers and support of our community.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílis,” the post concluded.
The vigil will take place at the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly, Waterford city tomorrow evening at 5pm.
A GoFundMe appeal has also been set up to help “to help ease the financial burden of funeral expenses during this heartbreaking time”.
The fundraiser states: “All money raised will go directly to Paddy, the children’s grandfather, to help cover these costs and support the family through the days and weeks ahead.”
