Surviving girl from Waterford arson attack has “a way to go” in recovery

Elliot died with his extended family by his side, four weeks after he was rescued from the blaze.

John James English said his little sister is a “a warrior princess” but warned she has “a bit more to go” in her recovery.

“I got your back [a] million per cent forever,” he said.

“A fighter – a warrior – strongest little woman. You will get there, trust me. I have all faith you will come out stronger... with everyone on your side. You are amazing – don’t let no one tell you different. Keep fighting, keep shining ... that (princess) crown will be fixed and strong again.”

Six-year-old Elliot English, died on Friday after suffering critical burn and smoke-inhalation injuries in the arson attack that killed his mother and father and two brothers.

Kim and Philip died alongside their children Callum (12) and Jayden (9) after their house was set alight on October 13th. The alleged motive is linked to a drug debt owed by another family member.

Jayden English had a heart operation in CHI just a fortnight before his death.

The teenage girl was first taken University Hospital Waterford before being transferred to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) in Crumlin, Dublin.

She is understood to be serious but stable.

In a statement released on Friday, the English family said it was with “profound sadness” that they announced the passing of little Elliot.

“This comes following the tragic events in Birchwood earlier this month, in which Elliot’s mother, Kim, his father, Philip, and his two brothers, Jayden and Callum, tragically lost their lives,” it said.

“The family has endured an unimaginable loss, and this latest bereavement has left relatives, neighbours and friends facing an overwhelming period of grief.

“At this incredibly difficult time, the family respectfully asks members of the media to allow them, along with their neighbours and friends, the time, space and privacy to come to terms with this devastating tragedy.”

The family also asked that the teenage girl who was still in Crumlin undergoing medical treatment be “kept in everyone’s thoughts and prayers”.

“The family appreciates that there will be considerable public interest and that many people will wish to express their sympathy and support. However, we ask that their privacy, dignity and right to grieve be respected,” they added.

“The English family would like to thank everyone who has shown kindness, compassion and support during what has been an incomprehensibly difficult time.

“Please allow the family the privacy and respect they so desperately need at this time.”

A total of six people were arrested over a 10-day period by gardaí in connection with the attack.

Two have been charged and first appeared before a special sitting of Clonmel District Court on October 17th.

The two – a 21-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman have since been remanded in ongoing custody.

These include a single charge of criminal damage on October 13th at an address in Waterford and two counts of Section 4 assaults causing serious harm contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

The individuals listed in the assault causing serious harm charges cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Four people who were arrested the following week – a man in his 50s, two women in their 30s and a man in his 20s – have now been released without charge.

Gardaí are now preparing a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).