Gardaí have seized a number of vehicles and electronic devices following multiple searches across Waterford City as part of their investigation into the murders of four members of the same family.
The searches were carried out at a number of premises yesterday evening (Tuesday), following the fatal arson attack on a family home in the Birchwood estate shortly after 5am.
Kim and Philip English along with their 12-year-old Callum and his nine-year-old brother Jayden, died following the fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Gardaí say the investigation remains intense and very active, with the seized vehicles and electronic devices now undergoing technical examination.
Two other children who survived the attack remain in a critical condition at Children’s Health Ireland in Crumlin, Dublin.
In an updated statement issued today (Wednesday), Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit of the Waterford/Kilkenny Garda Division reiterated that Gardaí believe the house was deliberately targeted.
“An Garda Síochána believes that the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown and that the fire was started deliberately,” he said.
“There are people in the community who know the person or persons who carried out this arson attack in which 4 people have been murdered.”
He urged anyone with information to contact the investigation team at Waterford Garda Station.
The house at Birch Avenue remains a crime scene and is undergoing a technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.
Post-mortem examinations on the four victims are continuing at University Hospital Waterford, led by Chief State Pathologist Professor Linda Mulligan and State Pathologist Dr SallyAnne Collis.
The murder investigation is being coordinated from an incident room at Waterford Garda Station, under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer.
The investigation team is being supported by divisional Garda resources and the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Family Liaison Officers also remain in contact with the bereaved family.
Gardaí have acknowledged the extensive support received from the Waterford community, both for the investigation and for the family affected by the tragedy.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4.30am and 5.30am on Tuesday, October 13th, to come forward.
They’re also seeking dashcam footage or images from motorists who were travelling through Birchwood or adjoining roads during that time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
