Gardai issue updated witness appeal over Waterford arson attack

Gardai have issued an updated witness appeal regarding the murder investigation into the fatal house fire in Waterford City.

The attack occurred around 5 am on Tuesday, and since then Gardai have confirmed the deaths of Phillip and Kim English, and two of their children. Two other children are currently receiving treatment at Children’s Health Ireland Crumlin, where they remain in critical condition.

The updated Garda witness appeal said: “An Garda Síochána continues to investigate the multiple murder following the arson attack and fatal house fire that occurred in the Birchwood area of Waterford city shortly after 5 am on Tuesday, 13th October 2026.

"The two children admitted to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin continue to receive treatment for their injuries. Their condition remains critical. The house at Birch Avenue remains a crime scene and subject of a technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.

"Post-mortems on the 4 deceased are continuing at University Hospital Waterford by Prof. Linda Mulligan, Chief State Pathologist and Dr SallyAnne Collis, State Pathologist. Family Liaison Officers continue to engage with the bereaved family.

"The investigation is being coordinated from an incident room at Waterford Garda Station led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), supported by Divisional resources, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and all other resources as necessary.

"The investigation is intense in nature and very active, with multiple searches being carried out across a number of premises in Waterford city yesterday evening. Several electronic devices and vehicles have been seized, which are now the subject of technical examination. There have been no arrests at this time.

"An Garda Síochána acknowledges the extensive support received from the community in Waterford both for the Garda investigation and for the bereaved family.

"Speaking today, Chief Superintendent Pettit, Waterford/ Kilkenny Garda Division, reiterated: 'An Garda Síochána believes that the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown and that the fire was started deliberately. There are people in the community who know the person or persons who carried out this arson attack in which 4 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 or contact the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána that you know.

“An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4.30 am and 5.30 am on Tuesday, 13th October, 2026 to contact investigating Gardaí.

“Gardaí continue to appeal to any person who was driving in the vicinity of Birchwood, or the adjoining roads, between 4.30 am and 5.30 am that 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.”