Waterford family deaths: Gardaí arrest sixth person in fatal house fire investigation

Gardaí say further searches are expected as the investigation continues into the deaths of Philip and Kim English and their two sons

Floral tributes outside the scene of suspected arson attack at a house in Birchwood, Waterford (Micheal O Scannail/PA)

A man in his 20s has been arrested in connection with a suspected arson attack that killed a couple and their two children in Co Waterford last week.

The man is the sixth person to be arrested as part of the investigation into the deaths of Philip and Kim English and their sons, Callum, 12, and Jayden, nine.

Gardaí said they anticipate that further searches will be carried out as part of the ongoing investigation.

Earlier this week, a man and a woman charged in connection with the attack were remanded in custody.

The hearses arriving arriving for the funeral of Philip and Kim English and their sons, Jayden and Callum, at the Sacred Heart Church Parish Centre, The Folly, Waterford. Picture: Evan Treacy/the Press Association

Jessica Dalton, 31, of Waterford city, and Cian Stacey, 21, of no fixed abode, were previously charged with one count of criminal damage and two counts of assault causing serious harm.

Further arrests 

Three other people — a man in his 50s and two women in their 30s — were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of offences under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 in connection with the arson attack at the family home on Birch Avenue in Birchwood.

They were detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at garda stations in the Garda Eastern Region.

Gardaí said the detention periods of two of the three were extended.

The man in his 20s was arrested on Thursday.

Garda appeal for information 

A garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána continue to appeal to any person who may have any information in relation to this arson attack to 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.

“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.”