Son says Waterford family killed over another’s €20,000 drug debt: ‘Is that worth nearly five lives?’

The son of a man killed alongside his wife and two young children in a suspected arson attack in Waterford has claimed the family was targeted over a €20,000 drug debt belonging to someone else. As two surviving children remain critically injured, grieving relatives are demanding answers and urging those responsible to come forward.

Philip English, his wife Kim, and their sons Callum, 12, and Jayden, nine, died after a fire swept through their home in the Birchwood estate on Tuesday, October 13.

Two other children were critically injured in the blaze, which has left the local community devastated and prompted an extensive Garda investigation.

Philip’s son, John James English, told RTÉ News that his family had faced threats for some time despite having no involvement in drugs. He insisted they were innocent and questioned how an alleged debt of €20,000 could lead to such devastating loss of life.

Flowers left outside the family’s home in Birchwood, Waterford. Photo: PA

Police Investigation Intensifies as Family Demands Justice

Gardaí have searched several properties in connection with the suspected firebombing, recovering vehicles and electronic devices for further examination.

Police described the investigation as intensive, with officers working to determine exactly who was responsible for the attack.

At a vigil held on Wednesday evening, local parish priest Father Gerry Chestnutt appealed directly to those behind the tragedy to acknowledge their actions and accept the legal consequences.

Addressing approximately 500 people gathered at Sacred Heart Church, he urged the community to support one another during an extraordinarily painful time.

He reflected on how an ordinary morning for the English family, when the parents should have been preparing their children for school, had instead ended in devastating violence.

Father Chestnutt also encouraged anyone with information about the fire to contact An Garda Síochána, stressing the importance of helping investigators establish the truth.

Hundreds gathered at Sacred Heart Church to remember the victims. Photo: PA

Grieving Relatives Speak of Their Devastating Loss

James English, Philip’s uncle and godfather to one of the children killed, made an emotional appeal for witnesses and those responsible to come forward.

He described the enormous loss suffered by the family and said anyone involved should feel ashamed of what had happened.

Philip’s former wife, Anne English, also spoke about the tragedy, struggling to express the depth of her grief.

She described Kim as her closest friend and explained that they had maintained a strong relationship.

Anne recalled receiving a phone call from a family member informing her of the fire, saying she had felt numb and overwhelmed ever since.

She remembered Philip and Kim as a happy, loving couple who kept to themselves and devoted their lives to their children.

Anne said the tragedy had affected not only relatives but also local schools and the wider Waterford community, and joined others in calling for anyone with information to assist police.

Philip English’s former wife Anne speaks ahead of a community memorial ceremony. Photo: PA

Hundreds Gather for Emotional Balloon Tribute

Residents filled a green space in Birchwood on Wednesday evening to honour the four family members who died.

Hundreds of balloons were released into the evening sky as relatives tearfully sang You’ll Never Walk Alone.

The gathering brought together neighbours, friends and members of the wider community, many struggling to comprehend the loss.

One mother was heard comforting her young child by suggesting that the victims would be waiting above to catch the balloons.

The memorial was followed by a prayer vigil at Sacred Heart Church, where hundreds gathered to mourn and offer support to those affected.

Members of the Waterford community gathered for a balloon release in memory of the English family. Photo: Mícheál Ó Scannáil/PA

Irish Government Pledges Resources for Investigation

Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemned the deaths and promised that the Government would provide the resources necessary to support both the Garda investigation and the affected community.

He thanked emergency responders for their efforts during an exceptionally distressing incident.

Martin also called for greater attention to the issue of deliberate fires targeting innocent people, highlighting the devastating human consequences of such crimes.

He said the Government and the Minister for Justice would work to confront this type of violence with determination.

Schools and Community Services Offer Support

The deaths of Callum and Jayden have been particularly difficult for their school community.

Caroline Douris, principal of Scoil Lorcáin Boys’ National School, visited the family home with several teachers to lay flowers and express their condolences.

She said the school would make every effort to restore a sense of normality for pupils affected by the tragedy.

Six psychologists have been assigned to schools in the area to provide additional support.

A community support hub has also been established at Butler Community Centre, where local residents can speak with counsellors.

Waterford TD John Cummins confirmed that the English family had previously visited his constituency office, leaving staff deeply upset by news of the deaths.

However, he said they had not raised concerns about their safety during that meeting.

Cummins added that he had spoken with the chief superintendent and understood that Gardaí were pursuing a specific line of investigation.

As officers continue examining the circumstances surrounding the suspected arson attack, the community remains united in grief, hoping for justice for the four victims and recovery for the two surviving children.