Gardaí appeal for information as car used in fatal arson attack identified 

The garda investigation team wants to speak with any person who may have information on person or persons who had access to the 08 D 24363 Black Kia Rio Saloon between October 7, 2025 and December 7. File picture

A car now believed to have been used by two men who carried out the fatal arson attack on a house in Offaly earlier this month, killing a four-year-old boy and his grandaunt, was found burnt out in Kildare.

Gardaí have revealed that their investigation into the deaths of four-year-old Tadhg Farrell and his grandaunt Mary Holt in the attack at a house in Edenderry on December 6 has established that a Black Kia Rio Saloon car, with the registration number 08-D-24363, was the mode of transport used by the attackers.

A garda statement said: “This black Kia Rio has been recovered burnt out at Tipper East, Naas, Co Kildare in the early hours of December 7, 2025.” 

The statement also revealed that Tadhg’s grandmother Pauline Holt, who was also in the house at the time of the attack, remains in hospital and “continues to receive hospital treatment for serious burn injuries”.

In appealing for information, gardaí said they are “satisfied that any previous registered owners of this car are not involved in any way with this murderous attack”.

The garda investigation team wants to speak with any person who may have 

• Any information on person or persons who had access to the 08 D 24363 Black Kia Rio Saloon between October 7, 2025 and December 7

• Any knowledge of the whereabouts or activities of this car from December 1 through to December 7

• Any CCTV footage/images of the car in Kildare, Laois, Offaly or surrounding areas from December 1 through to December 7.

CCTV footage released by gardaí following the attack shows two hooded males attacking before fleeing the scene. It is understood that teenagers are suspected of carrying out the attack, with at least one being a minor.

With the garda investigation centred on a Midlands organised crime gang linked to the drugs trade, it is thought that a prison altercation between prison inmates hours prior to the incident could have led to the fatal firebomb attack.

a Black Kia Rio Saloon car, with the registration number 08-D-24363, was the mode of transport used by the attackers. File picture

Gardaí said they are appealing to any one with any information on this violent fatal incident to speak with investigators.

They also thanked anyone who has already provided support and assistance to the investigation team.

Any person with information can contact the investigation team in confidence by the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

The investigation team can also be contacted at the incident room at Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600 or any Garda Station, in particular Edenderry Garda Station.

The attack led to an outpouring of grief and outrage across the country.

The Taoiseach vowed that those responsible for the deaths of Mary Holt and Tadgg Farrell will be held to account, condemning the attack as “savage, callous, and reckless".

Micheál Martin said: “The level of inhumanity is difficult to comprehend. This violence will stop in our society. Those responsible for this criminal attack will be brought to justice, and no effort will be spared by the gardaí and by the State to ensure that that happens.”