Irish authorities are continuing their investigation into a suspected arson attack that resulted in the deaths of four family members in Waterford earlier this week. The victims were Philip and Kim English and their two sons, 12-year-old Callum and nine-year-old Jayden. Two additional children from the same household were critically injured and are receiving treatment at Children’s Health Ireland in Crumlin.

On Thursday, Gardaí arrested a man in his twenties and a woman in her thirties in connection with the incident. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly indicated that further arrests are expected, describing the crime as "absolutely horrendous."

The incident took place in a residence located in the Birchwood estate area of Waterford. The investigation remains active as law enforcement seeks to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fire.

John James English, 20, a son of the deceased Philip English, spoke to RTÉ News on Thursday, suggesting that the attack was linked to a €20,000 drug debt owed by an individual other than his family. He asserted that his family had been targeted for some time despite having no involvement with drugs, emphasizing their innocence in the matter.

Authorities have not officially confirmed the motive, and the investigation is ongoing as Gardaí continue to piece together the details of the case. The community remains deeply affected by the tragedy, which has raised concerns about violence and public safety in the area.