Murder investigation opened after arson kills two adults and two children in Waterford

Around 5 am on Tuesday a house on the Birchwood estate in Waterford was set alight, killing two adults and two of their children while two other children were rescued with life‑threatening injuries. An Garda Síochána have opened a murder investigation into the blaze, which they say was an arson attack. Emergency crews remained on scene as the community was offered counselling. Local religious leaders and politicians expressed deep sadness over the loss.