‘I love you’ - Sister pays heartbreaking tribute to victims of Waterford arson attack

A “heartbroken” sister of the woman who died in an arson attack in Waterford city on Tuesday has penned an emotional tribute to her lost loved ones.

Philip and Kim English, along with their children Callum and Jayden, died in the house fire which occurred in Birchwood in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Two other children remain in a critical condition in hospital in Dublin.

Charlene Companjen, who is a sister of Kim, has paid tribute to those who have died in a post on social media.

In the Facebook post, Charlene wrote: “No words will ever come close to how incredibly heartbroken I am.

“Kim, you were the light of my life. I’m going to miss our calls and hearing you say ‘gwan I love you’.

“You always told me that the day I was born your life truly began and that I was the apple to your eye.”

She highlighted the way Kim cared for her as a sister, as well as everyone around her.

“Well Kim, you were everything and more a little sister could have asked for. I have never met anyone as beautiful and resilient as you.”

“You cared so much about everyone around and I truly admire you for that. You broke the cycle and became the best mother I have ever seen.”

Charlene also recalled calling her sister the night before her tragic death.

“I’m grateful I called you the night before you were taken away from me. My last words to you were ‘I love you’.

“It hurts knowing that I’ll never see or talk to you again but I have 22 years of memories I will always cherish. I love you so incredibly much.”

She went on to pay tribute to her nephews, who also died in Tuesday’s arson attack.

“Calum, you were the first-born boy and honestly my twin. We always danced together and you always made me laugh.

“You were such a bright boy who lived so carefree. You were and will continue to be an absolute joy in my life. I love you forever till we meet again.

“Jayden, I don’t even know where to begin with you. Always up to trouble. I will miss hearing you call me your favourite aunty. Every time I came to visit we were inseparable.

“We’d play together or simply just have a cuddle and watch Paw Patrol. I’d give anything to hold you one more time. Till we meet again, my sweet angel.”

Charlene also recalled fond memories of her close relationship with her brother-in-law Philip.

“Lastly, Philip English. We met first when I was four. Kim brought you down and introduced you to the family and I loved you instantly.

“You always took care of me and I’ll always hold that close to my heart. You were my sister’s soulmate. You loved each other so unconditionally.

“You were an amazing father to those children, just as you were a husband. To me, you weren’t just my sister’s husband - you were family.

“I’m so incredibly sad that I won’t be able to sit in that kitchen and chat all night with you but I will hold those memories close.”

Funeral arrangements have been announced for the four members of the English family who died in the tragic house fire in Birchwood on Tuesday.

They will repose at the Sacred Heart Church Parish Centre, The Folly on Sunday, October 18 from 2pm until 5pm.

Requiem Mass will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly on Monday, October 19 at 1pm, followed by burial in Kilbarry Cemetery.

Gardaí are continuing their murder investigation into the incident.

A male, aged in his 20s, and a female, aged in her 30s, were arrested on Thursday afternoon and remain in custody.

An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, between 4:30am and 5:30am on Tuesday morning to contact investigating Gardaí.

The investigation team can be contacted at the incident room at Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.