Three arrested over Waterford family deaths released without charge

A fourth man arrested in connection with the fatal Birchwood fire remains in custody as the investigation continues

Kim and Philip English. Both parents and 2 of their children have dies in a fire in their home in Waterford. Their other two children are in hospital.

Three people arrested in connection with the fatal house fire that killed a couple and their two children in Waterford city have been released without charge.

A man in his 50s and two women in their 30s were arrested on Tuesday, October 20, as part of the investigation into the deaths of Philip and Kim English and their sons, Callum, 12, and Jayden, nine.

Gardaí said a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

A fourth person, a man in his 20s arrested on Thursday, October 22, remains in Garda custody.

The investigation centres on a suspected arson attack at the family home on Birch Avenue in the Birchwood area of Waterford city shortly after 5am on Tuesday, October 13.

The latest developments follow the arrests of Jessica Dalton, 31, of Waterford city, and Cian Stacey, 21, of no fixed abode, who were charged earlier this week with one count of criminal damage and two counts of assault causing serious harm. Both were remanded in custody.

Philip, Kim, Callum and Jayden English

The three people arrested on October 20 were detained on suspicion of offences under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. They were held under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at garda stations in the Eastern Region, with the detention periods of two of them extended.

Gardaí have said they anticipate further searches as part of the ongoing investigation.

Garda appeal for information 

A garda spokesperson renewed the appeal for anyone with information about the arson attack to contact the investigation team.

“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.”