.svg)
A six-year-old boy has died 24 days after a petrol bomb attack on his family home in Waterford that killed his parents and two older brothers, An Garda Síochána has confirmed. Elliot English died at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin in Dublin 12 on Friday, 6th November 2026, having sustained critical injuries in the fire at the family’s home in the Birchwood area of Waterford City on Tuesday, 13th October 2026. His death is the fifth confirmed fatality among the English family; a second child injured in the same attack remains in a critical condition.
Garda Confirmation and Family Statement- An Garda Síochána told journalists: “An Garda Síochána can confirm that 6-year-old Elliot English who sustained critical injuries during a fire at his home in the Birchwood area of Waterford City on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, has passed away on today’s date, Friday 6th November 2026, at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin, Dublin 12.” The force added: “The thoughts of all members of An Garda Síochána are with the extended English family at this sad time.”
Daily Dazzling Dawn understands the English family said in a statement that they confirmed Elliot’s death “with profound sadness”. The family described “an unimaginable loss” and said the latest bereavement had left relatives, neighbours and friends facing “an overwhelming period of grief”. They appealed for time, space and privacy to come to terms with “this devastating tragedy”, adding that they appreciated public sympathy but asked that their “privacy, dignity and right to grieve be respected”. The family also thanked those who had shown “kindness, compassion and support during what has been an incomprehensibly difficult time”.
Daily Dazzling Dawn understands Elliot’s brother John James English wrote in a tribute: “RIP baby bro Elliot ... Your in God’s arms and bk with our dad Philip and your mam Kim and lil brothers callum. Jayden” (sic). The message was posted alongside a smiling photograph of Elliot.
How the Attack Unfolded- The fire broke out at the family home on Birchwood Avenue in the Birchwood estate in the early hours of 13th October 2026, when a petrol bomb was allegedly thrown at the house. Elliot’s parents, Philip and Kim English, and his older brothers, Callum, aged 12, and Jayden, aged nine, all died in the attack. Elliot and another child were initially taken to University Hospital Waterford in Ardkeen before being transferred to the burns unit at St James’s Hospital in Dublin. The second child remains in a critical condition.
Gardaí investigating the attack have arrested six individuals in total. Four were released without charge, while two are currently before the courts. Jessica Dalton, 31, with an address in Waterford city, and Cian Stacey, 21, of no fixed abode, have been charged with criminal damage in relation to the fire at Birchwood Avenue on 13th October. The couple were also charged with assault causing serious harm to two other individuals who cannot be named for legal reasons. They have been remanded in continuing custody on all four charges following several court appearances.
Funerals and National Questions- Last month, the funerals of Philip, Kim, Jayden and Callum were held at the Sacred Heart Church in Waterford, where Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan led a service for “the innocent victims of a web of evil which is the drugs trade”. Daily Dazzling Dawn understands Bishop Cullinan told mourners: “This tragedy has shocked us all to the core. How heart-wrenching it is to see four coffins before this sacred altar, and this entire community and the whole country joining in loving solidarity with the family and the many friends of Kim and Phil and Callum and Jayden.”
He continued: “Four beautiful innocent lives have been taken. Two loving, devoted parents who did their best for their children. Innocent victims of a web of evil which is the drug trade. And as a country, I ask, ‘have we really faced up to this problem?’ It is a fact that in every city, every town and village and townland, harmful drugs are available.” Bishop Cullinan called on those involved in the drugs trade to “see the consequences of their dark trade”.
The legal proceedings against the two charged individuals are continuing, while Gardaí continue to investigate the circumstances of the attack. Four people arrested in connection with the inquiry were released without charge, and no one has been convicted. The English family’s request for privacy comes as the case remains before the courts and as questions persist about the wider drugs trade that Bishop Cullinan condemned at the funeral.
Daily Dazzling Dawn will continue to follow developments in the investigation and the court proceedings.
