OMM Redaksiyası
Irish police have carried out searches at several premises in Waterford as they investigate the deaths of four members of the same family in an arson attack, according to PA Media.
Kim English, Philip English and their children Jayden, nine, and Callum, 12, died after their home on Birch Avenue was set on fire early on Tuesday.
Gardaí described the investigation as “intense in nature and very active”. They said several searches were conducted on Tuesday evening, and vehicles and electronic devices were seized for technical examination.
Six members of the family were asleep in the house when it was attacked. Investigators believe an incendiary device, likely a petrol bomb, started the fire.
Two children were seriously injured and taken to a hospital in Dublin, where they remain in critical condition.
Community mourns the family
Callum had played for Waterford football club Johnville FC for five years. His coach, Alex O’Sullivan, told BBC News NI that he was a “fantastic player” and a “lovely kid” who was always cheerful and helpful to teammates and coaches.
O’Sullivan said Callum rarely missed training and that the club had become “like a second home” to him. He also said the boy’s parents were always present to support him.
Johnville FC said on social media that its members were “absolutely heartbroken” and that it was difficult to comprehend that a family they knew so well had been lost in such tragic circumstances.
The Catholic Diocese of Waterford and Lismore said a vigil would be held at Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday evening for those who died, their families and others affected by the tragedy.
Police appeal for information
Gardaí opened an investigation into what they described as a “multiple murder and arson attack”. Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported that detectives believe the attack may be linked to organised crime and drug-related intimidation.
RTÉ said Tuesday night’s searches included properties linked to two significant criminal figures in the city. No arrests have been made.
On Wednesday, Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit said people in the community may know who carried out the attack and urged them to contact the investigation team at Waterford Garda Station.
Firefighters, ambulance staff and gardaí responded to the emergency at the family home in the Birchwood housing estate, about 3km from Waterford city centre. Waterford Fire Service said it was alerted at 05:13 local time and crews arrived to find a well-developed fire in a two-storey house.
Chief Superintendent Pettit said police believed the house had been deliberately attacked by one or more people. Gardaí appealed to anyone who was near the estate between 04:30 and 05:30 on Tuesday morning to come forward.
