Six-year-old boy dies in hospital weeks after Waterford arson attack

A six-year-old boy has died following an arson attack in Waterford that killed his parents and two brothers, prompting an ongoing Garda investigation into the incident.

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Six-year-old boy dies in hospital weeks after Waterford arson attack

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A six-year-old boy, Elliot English, has died in hospital following an arson attack on his family home in Birchwood, Waterford, which occurred on October 13 and killed four family members. The Gardaí continue to investigate the incident, which is being treated as a multiple murder, with six people arrested in connection with the case.

Garda Síochána has arrested six individuals in connection with the investigation into the arson attack, with four released without charge. Jessica Dalton, 31, and Cian Stacey, 21, remain in custody after being charged with criminal damage and assault causing serious harm following the incident on October 13.

Garda Síochána is continuing its investigation into the suspected arson attack that killed five members of the English family, with six people arrested thus far, including a man and woman who have been charged and remanded into custody. Fianna Fáil TD Mary Butler expressed her devastation at the unfolding tragedy, stating, “It’s absolutely devastating and heartbreaking that Elliot’s little gentle soul has passed.”

What remains unclear — The motive behind the arson attack that resulted in the deaths of four family members is still unknown.

Six-year-old boy dies in hospital weeks after Waterford arson attack

Floral tributes outside the scene of suspected arson attack at a house in Birchwood, Waterford, which claimed the lives of two adults and two children. The victims have been named locally as Philip and Kim English and their sons Callum, 12, and Jayden, nine. Picture date: Wednesday October 14, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Micheal O Scannail/the Press Association
Floral tributes outside the scene of suspected arson attack at a house in Birchwood, Waterford (Picture: The Press Association)

A six-year-old boy critically injured in an arson attack that killed his parents and two brothers has died in hospital, his heartbroken family have confirmed.

Elliot English had been fighting for his life since a fire ripped through his family home in Waterford on October 13.

He died at Children’s Health Ireland in Crumlin.

Elliot’s parents, Kim and Phillip English, and brothers Callum and Jayden also died in the fire that Gardaí believe started as a result of an arson attack.

His older sister is still fighting for life in hospital.

A family statement read: ‘The English family wishes to confirm, with profound sadness, the passing of Elliot.

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‘This comes following the tragic events in Birchwood earlier this month, 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.

Kim and Philip English Photo: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1098158472041520&set=pb.100055421317597.-2207520000&type=3 By Garreth MacNamee A HUGE manhunt was underway last night (TUE) for the mass killer responsible for a horrific arson attack on an innocent family which left four people dead, including two children. Two other children from the same family were last night (TUE) fighting for their lives following the suspected petrol bomb attack at the house in the Birchview estate, three kilometres from Waterford City at around 5am yesterday (TUE) morning. Parents Kim, in her thirties, and Philip English, in his fifties, and their two sons, Callum and Jayden, (AGES TO COME) were killed as they slept in the shocking incident which has left a community ?shattered and numb?. Meanwhile, little Nadia, who has leukaemia, and her brother Elliot (AGES TO COME) were last night (TUE) clinging to life at Crumlin Children?s Hospital in Dublin. Nadia is on life support while Elliot is also critical with severe injuries.
Elliot’s parents, Kim and Phillip English (pictured), and brothers Callum and Jayden also died in the fire

‘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.’

Fianna Fáil TD Mary Butler said she was devastated to learn of Elliot’s death.

‘It’s absolutely devastating and heartbreaking that Elliot’s little gentle soul has passed,’ she said.

‘My thoughts are with his extended family who are still mourning the loss of his parents and brothers.

‘I’d like to commend the healthcare staff at Crumlin who have cared for Elliot for the past four weeks.’

Floral tributes outside the scene of suspected arson attack at a house in Birchwood, Waterford, which claimed the lives of two adults and two children. The victims have been named locally as Philip and Kim English and their sons Callum, 12, and Jayden, nine. Picture date: Wednesday October 14, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Micheal O Scannail/the Press Association
Elliot English had been fighting for his life since a fire ripped through his family home in Waterford on October 13 (Picture: PA)

Garda Síochána continues to investigate what they believe is a multiple murder, following an arson attack that occurred at the home shortly after 5am on October 13.

In total, six people have been arrested in connection with the investigation, four of whom were released without charge.

In October, the first people arrested in the investigation, a man and a woman, appeared in court charged in relation to the attack.

Jessica Dalton, 31, with an address in Waterford city, and Cian Stacey, 21, of no fixed abode, were remanded into custody, charged with one count of criminal damage and two counts of assault causing serious harm.

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