Children killed in Waterford arson attack named - as family calls for culprit to 'own up'

Two children who died in an arson attack at a home in Ireland have been named as Callum and Jayden, as their family and police urge anyone with information to come forward.

Tributes have been paid to the "two beautiful children" who died alongside parents Philip and Kim English in the house fire.

Police said they believe the property was attacked by a person or persons unknown, and that the fire was started deliberately.

A murder investigation was launched after the blaze in Birchwood, Waterford City, shortly after 5am on Tuesday.

James English, the uncle of Philip English and the godfather of one of the children who died, said: "Whoever did it, he better feel ashamed of himself."

"Well, whoever knows, they'd want to turn up and own up whoever done it," he added.

"At the end of the day, we have a loss of family now, wiped out. So please, whoever done it, own up, be a man."

Relatives have launched an appeal for donations to support the family during an "incredibly difficult time", writing in a tribute that Philip, Kim, Callum and Jayden would "forever be loved and never forgotten".

"Our beloved Phillip and Kim English, along with their two beautiful children, Callum and Jayden, both under the age of 10, tragically lost their lives in a house fire," they said.

"There are no words to describe the heartbreak of losing four precious lives in such devastating circumstances."

Two other siblings are "also currently in hospital in critical condition", the GoFundMe page said.

Johnville Football Club, where Callum played for five years, said the community was "absolutely heartbroken and devastated" by the loss.

"Kim and Philip were familiar and friendly faces around our club, always there supporting Callum at his matches," the club said on Facebook.

The club said a vigil will be held at 5pm on Wednesday at the Sacred Heart Church in The Folly.

Read more from Sky News:
Pope Leo has 'peaceful night' after surgery
Trump says oil search to start in Greenland

Caroline Douris, the principle of the school of the two children, who stopped to leave flowers at the house described one of the boys as "a lovely young fella".

She said the other "lights up the school every day with that smile as he comes through the door".

Six psychologists have been allocated to local schools to help support children.

'Extremely shocking'

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said the murders were "extremely shocking" and all support would be provided to police.

Officers said the investigation is "intense in nature and very active", with searches being carried out in several properties in Waterford on Tuesday evening.

Devices and vehicles have also been seized for technical examination.

No arrests have been made.

Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit said: "There are people in the community who know the person or persons who carried out this arson attack in which four people have been murdered."

Anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4.30am and 5.30am on Tuesday or was driving in the wider area at that time has been urged to contact police.

(c) Sky News 2026: Children killed in Waterford arson attack named - as family calls for culprit to 'own up'