Irish authorities are continuing their investigation into a suspected arson attack that resulted in the deaths of two parents and their two young children in Waterford earlier this week. Gardaí arrested a man in his twenties and a woman in her thirties on Thursday in connection with the incident. Further arrests are expected as the murder inquiry unfolds.

The victims have been identified as Philip and Kim English and their sons, 12-year-old Callum and nine-year-old Jayden. Two other children from the household were critically injured in the fire and were transferred to Children’s Health Ireland in Crumlin for treatment.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the case as “an absolutely horrendous crime” and confirmed that additional arrests would likely be made as investigators work to bring those responsible to justice.

John James English, the 20-year-old son of Philip English, told media outlets that the family may have been targeted due to a drug-related debt of €20,000 owed by another individual. He emphasized that the family had no involvement with drugs and were innocent victims. According to him, the family had been under threat for some time before the tragic fire.

The incident has sparked widespread shock and grief across Waterford, with local officials and community members expressing condolences and urging calm as the Gardaí continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.