Waterford: investigation into arson attack that killed four members of the English family
Irish police are investigating the Birchwood arson attack as multiple murder. Philip and Kim English and their sons Callum and Jayden died on 13 October. Two defendants appeared in court; four other arrested people were released without charge.
The fire broke out shortly after 5am at the home in the Birchwood area of Waterford. Two other children were rescued and taken to hospital with critical injuries. Gardaí confirmed on 26 October that the investigation into the fatal attack continued.
Jessica Dalton, 31, and Cian Stacey, 21, appeared before Clonmel District Court on 17 October. According to court reporting by The Munster Express, they were charged with criminal damage to the home and two counts of assault causing serious harm. The Irish Times reported on 26 October that both were in custody on remand.
Three other suspects were released without charge on 24 October. Gardaí said on 26 October that a man in his twenties arrested on 22 October had also been released. Files were being prepared for the prosecution authority. According to The Irish Times, investigators suspect a drugs gang ordered the attack to pressure Philip English over a €20,000 drug debt owed by a man he knew.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly told a public meeting of the policing oversight body PCSA on 29 October that officers were pursuing other lines of inquiry and retaining full resources for the investigation, The Irish Examiner reported. The newspaper also reports that the family living in the house was not involved in drugs.
