Vigil taking place for family killed in Waterford arson

Hundreds of people are attending a vigil for members of the Waterford family who died after an incendiary device set fire to their home in the Birchwood estate yesterday.

The vigil for Kim English, Philip English, and their two sons, 12-year-old Callum and nine-year-old Jayden, is taking place at the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly.

Prayers are also being said for the two other children, who are aged 14 and six and remain in a critical condition at CHI Crumlin.

Speaking ahead of the vigil, Parish Priest Fr Gerry Chestnutt said the service has been organised so that people can stand in solidarity with the English family.

The Bishop for Waterford and Lismore Phonsie Cullinan added that many people are currently searching for answers because this tragedy has affected so many people in the city and beyond.

He described yesterday's arson attack as a "mindless and dreadful crime" and said innocent people have suffered. Bishop Cullinan added that people now just in the parish, but also the city and country want to stand in solidarity with the family.

Books of condolences have been opened at Sacred Heart Church this evening and the church will open earlier in the mornings and close later in the evenings, until the funerals of Kim English, Philip English, Callum and Jayden have taken place, Fr Chestnutt said.

He added that this was an innocent family who went to bed at night expecting to get up the next morning and bring their kids to school and instead they are now going to be brought to the church for their funeral masses.

Prayers are also to be extended to the impacted school communities.