‘I’ve no words’ - Ex-wife of man killed in Waterford arson attack mourns tragic deaths
Birchwood and the wider Waterford community is in mourning following the tragic arson attack on Tuesday
The ex-wife of the man killed in an arson attack in Waterford city on Tuesday has paid tribute to those who died in the incident.
Philip and Kim English, along with their children Callum and Jayden, died in the house fire which occurred in Birchwood in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Anne English, who was the first wife of Philip, said that they were a happy family.
Ms English said: “I just have no words. I’m lost and I’m going to be lost without them.
“She’s (Kim English) my best friend. We were very, very close.
“I heard when I got a phone call from one of my family and I jumped up out of bed.
“Since then I am numb. I am just shocked.”
She told the media in Birchwood that Philip and Kim were a lovely couple who always looked after their children.
“The family [were] very close and very happy.
“I have no words, just disbelief. They were a lovely couple. Never bothering anyone. The kids were his life.”
“It’s just a devastating loss for everyone in the community, the wider family and schools.”
Ms English appealed to anyone with information to come forward.
Gardaí arrested a man and a woman in relation to the incident this afternoon.
They are currently being detained at a garda station in the garda eastern division.
The house in Birchwood remains sealed off as the forensic examination and evidence gathering continues.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal to any person who has information in relation to the incident to come forward.
In particular, they are looking to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4:30am and 5:30am yesterday morning.
Gardaí are also appealing to anyone who was driving in the vicinity of Birchwood, or the adjoining roads, between 4.30am and 5.30am yesterday, 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.