'Beyond sad' - Funeral details announced for four killed in Waterford arson attack
Philip and Kim English, along with their children Callum and Jayden died in a fire at their home in Waterford on Tuesday
Funeral details have been announced for the four family members who were killed in an arson attack in Waterford city this week.
Philip and Kim English, along with their children Callum and Jayden, died in the house fire which occurred in Birchwood in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Communities in Waterford and across Ireland are in shock following the senseless attack that not only claimed four lives but also left two other children in critical condition in hospital.
Waterford City and County Council has announced that a Book of Condolence has been opened by the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Liam Brazil, for those who have died.
Mayor Brazil said: “The deaths of Kim, Philip, Callum and Jayden have cast a dark shadow and have saddened and shocked the nation.
“An innocent family lost their lives in a callous, cruel and criminal act and left two more children critically ill in hospital.
“I know the thoughts and prayers of the community are with both children at this time and with those caring for them.”
He continued by describing the feeling that has gripped Waterford over the past few days.
“The grief and devastation felt throughout Waterford is profound. Words cannot fully express the sorrow that comes with such a loss, nor the void that has been left for those who knew and loved them.
“Philip, Kim, Callum and Jayden will forever be remembered, and their memories will remain close to our hearts.
“At this incredibly difficult time, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the English family, to their friends, neighbours and loved ones, and to everyone mourning this heartbreaking loss.”
Members of the public are invited to sign the book in City Hall on the Mall in Waterford city or at the council offices in Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan.
Hundreds of people have also left heartfelt condolences on RIP.ie, expressing their grief and sadness.
One mourner said,
“Rest in peace to you Philip, Kim Jayden and Callum. Utterly heartbreaking, I’m so sorry that this happened to you and your loved ones. Praying for strength.”
“While another said,
“We are thinking of all the family & friends. Such a heartbreaking time for you all. Innocent lives taken too soon in such a horrific and heartless way. Life is very worrying. Rest in peace.”
Philip is predeceased by his mother Bridget, daughter Rachael and sister Catherine. Much loved father of Elliot, Nadia, Lynsey, Claire, Philip, John, Daniel, Nathan, James, Gillian and Anne.
He will be sadly missed by his heartbroken father Paddy, brothers Jason and Patrick, sisters Jackie, Sarah and Breda, grandchildren Rian, Mila, Cillian, Kenzie mai, Rachel, Danny and Claire’s Children, his fathers-in-law Richard and Marc, mother-in-law Teresa, his ex-wife Anne, his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Kim (nee Companjen), formerly Courtmacsherry, Cork is predeceased by her mother Joke Voets. Much loved mother of Elliot and Nadia and step mum to Lynsey, Claire, Philip, John, Daniel, Nathan, James, Gillian and Ann.
She will be sadly missed by her heartbroken father Richard, stepmum Teresa, step father Marc Voets, sisters Charlene, Chantal and Petra, brothers Ronan, Jan and Jerome, her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Jayden and Callum adored brothers of Elliot and Nadia and stepbrothers to Lynsey, Claire, Philip, John, Daniel, Nathan, James, Gillian and Ann. The will be so sadly missed by their heartbroken grandparents Paddy, Richard, Teresa and Marc their aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, school friends, neighbours and friends.
The four will repose in the Sacred Heart Church Parish Centre, The Folly, Waterford on Sunday October 18th from 2.00pm until 5.00pm.
Requiem Mass will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, the Folly, Waterford, at 1.00pm on Monday 19th of October, followed by burial in Kilbarry Cemetery, Waterford.
Family flowers only please donations in lieu to Crumlin Children's Hospital.
A male, aged in his 20s, and a female, aged in her 30s, were arrested on Thursday afternoon and remain in custody.
An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4:30am and 5:30am on Tuesday morning to contact investigating Gardaí.
The investigation team can be contacted at the incident room at Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.