A family who were murdered in their Waterford home had requested a council transfer, it has emerged.
Four members of the English family, Phillip and Kim, along with their sons Callum (12) and Jayden (9), perished in the fire, which Gardaí believe may have been started deliberately as part of drug gang-related intimidation.
It is believed that dad Philip may have taken on a drug debt on behalf of someone he knew and had struggled to meet repayment demands.
The Irish Mirror reported that the family, two of whom remain in a critical condition in hospital, had requested a transfer from Waterford City Council and were expecting progress on this in the coming weeks.
Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit said, “An Garda Síochána believe that the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown and that the fire was started deliberately.” his comments were made at a briefing at Waterford Garda Station on Tuesday afternoon.
“Gardai in Waterford are appealing to any person who has information on this multiple murder and arson attack to speak with investigating members,” he added.
The family’s car was attacked just three weeks ago, and other acts of threat and intimidation had been visited upon them by suspected drug gangs in the area. A social media account was used to intimidate the family as part of the campaign of harassment, it is believed.
Investigating Gardaí conducted a number of searches of homes in Waterford last night as part of the ongoing murder investigation initiated to find whoever started the fatal blaze.
They believe that the family’s car was the target of the attack.
A prayer vigil will take place on Wednesday at 5 pm at Sacred Heart Church in Waterford. A Facebook post from the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore said, “We invite the people of Waterford to come together in prayer for those who have lost their lives, their grieving families and loved ones, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”