Murder Investigation Underway After Fatal House Fire in Waterford

A murder investigation is underway following a fatal arson attack at a home in Waterford city this morning.

Four people, including two children, died after a fire broke out in the Birchwood area shortly after 5am.

Two other children have been taken to hospital with critical injuries.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the area between 4.30am and 5.30am to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation.

Chief Superintendent Anthony Petit has urged anyone who may have seen something suspicious during that period to contact Gardaí.

Tributes have been paid to the victims and their families, as well as the emergency services who responded to the scene.

Wexford Senator Cathal Byrne expressed his condolences and paid tribute to the families affected and the first responders during an interview on Morning Mix on South East Radio.

The tragedy was also raised in the Dáil, where Taoiseach Micheál Martin said people were finding it impossible to comprehend the scale of what had happened.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fire are ongoing.