More arrests expected as murder investigation continues into Waterford arson attack

More arrests are expected to be made as a murder investigation continues into the fatal arson attack which occurred in Waterford city this week.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly provided an update on the investigation whilst attending a garda graduation ceremony in Templemore today.

Commissioner Kelly began by extending his condolences to the English family and the wider community on the back of what he described as an “absolutely horrendous crime”.

He continued: “We have a full homicide investigation underway and we have made significant progress in the last number of days.

“We significantly made seven searches, we have seized a number of items in connection with the investigation.

“We have two people in custody currently. We do anticipate further arrests in this case.”

Commissioner Kelly said that the gardaí have given “every resource” to the investigation into the arson attack.

“I spoke to the lead investigator myself this morning so we are quite satisfied as to the direction the investigation is going.”

He added that he was getting briefed on the investigation “on a practically hourly basis”.

Commissioner Kelly concluded by calling on anyone with information in relation to the incident to come forward.

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.

Two other children remain in a critical condition in hospital in Dublin.

Gardaí are continuing with their murder investigation into the incident.

A male, aged in his 20s, and a female, aged in her 30s, were arrested on Thursday afternoon and remain in custody.

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.