Hundreds of people have gathered in Waterford to pay their respects to Philip and Kim English and their sons Callum and Jayden, who lost their lives following a fire at their family home in Birchwood earlier this week.

The family’s remains are reposing at the Sacred Heart Church on The Folly this afternoon, with people arriving between 2pm and 5pm to offer their condolences and support to the extended family.

The deaths of Philip and Kim and their two sons have left the Waterford community in deep shock and mourning.

Two other children were seriously injured in the fire on Tuesday morning and remain in hospital.

Gardaí are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal fire. A man and a woman arrested in connection with the investigation have been charged and appeared before a special sitting of Clonmel District Court on Saturday.

A joint funeral Mass for the four members of the English family is due to take place at the Sacred Heart Church on Monday at 1pm.

The large turnout this afternoon reflects the profound sadness felt across Waterford, as family, friends and members of the wider community come together to remember the lives of Philip, Kim, Callum and Jayden.