Boy, six, becomes fifth member of family to die after suspected arson in Ireland

A six-year-old boy has become the third child in his family to die after a suspected arson attack in Waterford that also claimed the lives of his parents, police have said.

Elliot English died on Friday at Children’s Health Ireland hospital in Crumlin from injuries sustained in the 13 October fire in the Birchwood area of Waterford city.

His parents, Kim and Philip English, and their sons, Callum, 12, and Jayden, nine, were also killed. Another child remains in a critical condition.

A Garda Síochána spokesperson said: “The thoughts of all members of An Garda Síochána are with the extended English family at this sad time.”

In a statement reported by RTÉ, the family confirmed the passing of Elliot with “profound sadness”.

They said: “This comes following the tragic events in Birchwood [ …] in which Elliot’s mother, Kim, his father, Philip, and his two brothers, Jaden and Callum, tragically lost their lives.

“The family has endured an unimaginable loss, and this latest bereavement has left relatives, neighbours and friends facing an overwhelming period of grief.

“At this incredibly difficult time, the family respectfully asks members of the media to allow them, along with their neighbours and friends, the time, space and privacy to come to terms with this devastating tragedy.”

The family said their thoughts remain with the child who remains in hospital, who they asked be “kept in everyone’s thoughts and prayers”.

Last week, a man arrested in connection with the fire was released without charge. He was the sixth person to have been arrested in connection with the incident.

In October, a man and a woman appeared in court charged in relation to the attack. Jessica Dalton, 31, and Cian Stacey, 21, were remanded into custody, charged with one count of criminal damage and two counts of assault causing serious harm.

They will appear before Waterford district court on 17 November via video link.