Gardaí have arrested three more people in connection with the arson attack in Waterford City last week that claimed the lives of four people.
A man in his 50s and two women in their 30s were arrested on Tuesday 20th October on suspicion of offences contrary to section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which relates to criminal organisation offences. The arrests are linked to the fire at 7 Birch Avenue, Birchwood, which broke out shortly after 5 am on Tuesday 13th October.
All three are being detained under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at Garda stations in the Eastern region. That provision allows suspects to be held for up to seven days before being charged or released.
An Garda Síochána is treating the incident as a multiple murder investigation. Gardaí have continued to appeal for information from the public in the week since the fire.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room at Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. Members of the public can also speak to any Garda they know.
Man and woman charged as part of ongoing murder investigation
A 31-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man have been remanded in custody after appearing before Waterford District Court today charged with assault causing serious harm.
Jessica Dalton, 31, from Waterford city, and Cian Stacey, 21, who is of no fixed abode, are each charged under Section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act with assaulting two people, who cannot be named for legal reasons. Both are also charged with criminal damage.
Dalton’s solicitor, Ken Cunningham, told the court he had asked for her to be brought before the court so that he could “perhaps ventilate” a bail application. After consulting with his client, however, he said he would reserve his position on bail until a later date.
Mr Cunningham said Ms Dalton consented to a further remand in custody for 28 days. Judge Catriona Murray remanded her in custody to appear again on 17 November via video-link.
Mr Stacey appeared by video-link earlier in the day. Mr Cunningham, who also appeared for him, said he too consented to a further remand in custody for 28 days. Judge Murray remanded him in custody to appear again on 17 November via video-link.
Both accused have been granted free legal aid.