The quiet of a Tuesday morning was shattered by a series of terrifying events in the Birchwood area of Waterford City. At around 5 a.m. on October 13, 2026, the English family's home erupted into flames. Neighbors reported hearing an explosion, followed by screams and the chilling cries of 'throw the kids down.'
Kim and Philip English, along with two of their children, were killed in the blaze. A neighbor, who had been awake, called emergency services at 5:13 a.m. to report the house was engulfed.
The news of the tragic incident spread quickly, and the community was left reeling. Neighbors described the scene as horrific, with one witness recalling, 'I put in a call at 5:13 a.m. The house was engulfed. It was horrific.' The cries of 'throw the kids down' added a layer of terror to the already traumatic event.
In a statement, Irish President Catherine Connolly expressed her condolences, extending her thoughts to the family and the first responders.
In a statement, Irish President Catherine Connolly expressed her condolences, extending her thoughts to the family and the first responders. '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.
An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force, quickly launched a murder investigation into the arson attack. A Gardaí Spokesman stated, 'An Garda Siochana believe the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown and that the fire was started deliberately.'
The police are appealing for witnesses who were in the vicinity between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on October 13, 2026. Superintendent Pettit, who is leading the investigation, said, 'My thoughts, and the thoughts of all members of An Garda Síochána and the community are with the extended family at this time.'
The attack left two other children critically injured. Jim O’Callaghan, a local community leader, condemned the attack, saying, 'I strongly condemn the harrowing attack in Waterford early this morning which has had a very significant impact on people across the country.'
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