Adult victims of arson attack in Waterford which also killed two children are named

Two adults who died alongside two children following an arson attack at a home in Ireland have been named as Philip and Kim English.

A murder investigation has been launched after the attack on the house in Waterford City shortly after 5am on Tuesday.

Two other children were also critically injured in the blaze. They have been admitted to Children's Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin, where they are receiving treatment for critical injuries.

The relationship of the two adults is unclear, as is their relationship to the children, but unofficial local reports suggest it was a blended family.

A murder inquiry has been launched.

Firefighters said the blaze at the two-storey house was "well developed" when they arrived and they removed "a number of casualties.

Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit confirmed a man, woman and two children had died after the house was "attacked by a person or persons unknown".

The bodies have been removed and post-mortem examinations are scheduled.

Sky News' Ireland correspondent Stephen Murphy said there were reports a petrol bomb may have been used to attack the house. However, authorities have not yet commented on the potential cause.

Police have urged anyone who was in the Birch Avenue area between 4.30am and 5.30am to get in touch.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin called it a "deeply disturbing situation".

Speaking ahead of a cabinet meeting in Dublin, he said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with anybody who has lost their lives and all who are affected."

Minister of State John Cummins said emergency services had to deal with a "horrific scene".

He added: "Waterford has been plunged into utter devastation and sadness this morning with the tragic loss of lives overnight in Birchwood.

"My deepest sympathies go to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, their friends, neighbours and the wider community."

Irish President Catherine Connolly expressed her "deepest condolences" to the family and friends of the victims.

"This was an appalling attack and all of our thoughts are with the two children currently in critical condition in hospital for a full recovery and with the first responders who have been on the scene and treating them," she said.

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Sinn Fein TD for Waterford, David Cullinane, said he was "heartbroken" and called it an "unimaginable tragedy".

He added: "I can only imagine what this will be for family members, for the wider family who live right across the road, for the city and county, and for people who live in the housing estate to be dealing with this level of grief and trauma."

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