A community online crowd-funding page has been launched following a fatal fire at a house in the Birchwood area of Waterford city yesterday, which claimed the lives of Philip and Kim English and their children Callum and Jayden.
Two other children remain in a critical condition in Children’s Health Ireland in Crumlin receiving specialist treatment for severe injuries.
At 06:30am this morning, Wednesday October 14th there was a target on the donation page of €24,000, of which in excess of €22,000 has been raised.
It states the aim of the community funding call-to-action is to ‘help ease the financial burden of funeral expenses during this heartbreaking time.’
Explaining where any monies raised will go, it reads that ‘all monies raised will go directly to Paddy, the children’s grandfather, to help cover these costs and support the family through the days and weeks ahead.’
Murder Investigation into the English Family Deaths
A statement was issued yesterday afternoon by Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit advising the public that a murder investigation into the arson attack and fatal house fire is now underway.
Shortly after 5am, the blaze at the family home was responded to by emergency services, however both adults were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two of their children, Callum and Jayden were later pronounced dead in University Hospital Waterford, while the final two occupants of the house, their two other children have since been transferred to Crumlin with severe injuries.
The family home at Birch Avenue, Birchwood has been declared a crime scene and a technical examination is underway.
Furthermore, post-mortems are due to be carried out at University Hospital Waterford by Professor Linda Mulligan, Chief State Pathologist and Dr. SallyAnne Collis, State Pathologist.
Investigation Developments
An Garda Síochána believe that the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown and that the fire was started deliberately.
According to The Irish Times, Gardaí suspect that Philip English had inherited a drug related debt in order to keep another individual safe. Gardaí suspect the local crime gang which was owed money targeted the family home.
As part of this investigation, it’s understood that several properties were searched last night in the Waterford area.
Gardaí in Waterford are appealing to any person who has information on this multiple murder and arson attack to speak with investigating members.
In particular Gardaí wish to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4.30am and 5.30am this morning Tuesday, 13th October, 2026.
Gardaí are also appealing to anyone who was driving in the vicinity of Birchwood, or the adjoining roads, between 4.30am and 5.30am this morning, who may have dashcam footage or images to make such footage available to investigating Gardaí.
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.
