Prayer vigil held after four arson attack murders

A solemn prayer vigil was held in Waterford for four members of the same family who tragically lost their lives in an arson attack. Kim English, Philip English, and their two children, Jayden, nine, and Callum, 12, perished after a fire engulfed their home on Birch Avenue on Tuesday. The vigil took place at Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday, featuring prayers, songs, and heartfelt tributes to the deceased.

Gardaí (Irish police) reported that extensive searches were conducted in the aftermath of the attack, with vehicles and electronic devices seized for examination. The police described the investigation as "intense and very active."

The English family was asleep when their home was targeted in the early hours of Tuesday. Two children suffered severe burns and were airlifted to a Dublin hospital, where they remain in critical condition. It is believed that an incendiary device, likely a petrol bomb, ignited the blaze.

Callum had been a beloved player for Johnville FC, a schoolboy and junior football club in Waterford, for the past five years. His coach, Alex O’Sullivan, described him as a "fantastic player" and a "lovely kid" with a contagious sense of humor and a perpetual smile. O’Sullivan recalled meeting Callum when he was playing in the under-11s team and noted that Callum was always present at matches, waving to coaches and sharing warm greetings.

O’Sullivan emphasized Callum's helpful nature, always assisting teammates and coaches with a cheerful demeanor.

Jayden was born with a heart condition and frequently traveled to medical appointments in Dublin by BUMBLEance, a specialized children's ambulance service. Paramedic Áine Phelan, who worked with the service and accompanied Jayden to his appointments, expressed her privilege in providing care for the young boy and conveyed her deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time ahead.