A man and a woman arrested in connection with the deaths of four members of a Waterford family in a house fire have been charged.

The pair are due to appear before a special sitting of Clonmel District Court this afternoon, Saturday, October 17th, at approximately 4.30 pm.

The charges follow an investigation into the fatal fire at a house in Birchwood, Waterford, on Tuesday, October 13th.

Philip and Kim English and two of their children died following the incident, while two other children were seriously injured and remain in hospital.

Gardaí arrested a man in his 20s and a woman in her 30s on Friday as part of the investigation. Both were detained under legislation relating to organised crime.

The investigation has been described as active and intensive, with Gardaí continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the fire.

The case has prompted renewed concern over drug-related intimidation, with reports that families affected by the issue are planning a protest outside Leinster House.

Meanwhile, the joint funeral of Philip and Kim English and their two children will take place on Monday.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on The Folly in Waterford at 1 pm.

Gardaí have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.