Three more arrested over Waterford house fire as one of surviving children in hospital opens their eyes

The late Kim and Philip English, who were killed in a suspected arson attack at their home in Waterford.

Three more people have been arrested as gardaí continue to investigate the "murderous" arson attack which left four members of the same Waterford family dead and two children fighting for their lives.

The latest arrests over the deaths of Philip and Kim English and their sons Callum, 12, and Jayden 9, came as it emerged one of their two siblings has now opened their eyes in hospital. However, the other child's condition is still critical.

On Tuesday afternoon, gardai carrying out the murder investigation confirmed a man in his 50s and two women in their 30s had been detained in connection with the arson attack.

They were last being held under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at Garda stations in the east of the country.

Confirmation of the new arrests came just a few hours after two people charged in connection with the attack were remanded in continuing custody.

Cian Stacey, 21, of no fixed abode, and Jessica Dalton, 31, of an address in Waterford, appeared at Waterford District Court.

Both were each first charged last Saturday with one count of criminal damage and two counts of assault causing serious harm.

Mr Stacey, who appeared via video link at a sitting of Waterford District Court and was not required to speak, consented to a 28-day remand in custody awaiting directions from the DPP.

Judge Caitriona Murray then remanded him in custody until November 17 next.

He will appear back before Waterford District Court by video link then.

Jessica Dalton appeared in person in court.

She had arrived at the court a short while before the hearing and was driven past a crowd of people who had started gathering from about 10am. She was also remanded in custody until November 17.

Philip and Kim English and their sons were laid to rest on Monday.

Meanwhile, friends of the family, who asked not to be named, confirmed one of the two children who survived the deadly blaze has begun to show small signs of recovery, even opening their eyes.

They said the child’s condition, which was initially described as “critical”, had improved.

However, they said the condition of the other child was still critical.

Prayers continue to be said for the children, since they were rescued from the fire at the house on the Birchwood Estate, just outside Waterford city.

In a statement, investigating officers said they continue to appeal to anyone who has any information on the "murderous arson attack" to please speak to the Garda investigation team.

That team can be contacted at the incident room at Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300 or people can call the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.