Gardaí have arrested two people in connection with the murder of four members of the same family following an arson attack in Waterford City on Tuesday morning.

A man in his 20s and a woman in her 30s were arrested this afternoon (Thursday, October 15th) as part of the ongoing investigation into the fatal house fire at 7 Birch Avenue in the Birchwood estate in Waterford City.

Both were arrested for alleged offences under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and are currently being detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at a Garda station in the Eastern Region.

Philip and Kim English, along with their two sons, Callum (12) and Jayden (9), died after their home was targeted in an arson attack shortly after 5am on Tuesday morning.

Two other children who were injured in the fire remain in critical condition at Children’s Health Ireland in Crumlin, where they continue to receive treatment.

Gardaí have confirmed that the house at Birch Avenue remains a crime scene, with a technical examination continuing by the Garda Technical Bureau.

Investigating Gardaí issued an internal alert to officers on patrol for a woman’s car which they believe is linked to the fatal firebombing in Waterford this week, according to the Irish Independent.

Post-mortem examinations on the four deceased have now been completed, although the results are not being released for operational reasons.

Family Liaison Officers remain in contact with the bereaved family, who have been updated on developments in the investigation.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone who was in the Birchwood area between 4.30am and 5.30am on Tuesday morning to come forward.

Motorists who were travelling in the area or on adjoining roads during that time are also being asked to provide any relevant dashcam footage.

Anyone with information can contact the incident room at Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.