Gardaí conducted a number of searches in Waterford on Tuesday night as part of their investigation into the murders of a family whose home was firebombed at a housing estate just outside the city.
Philip and Kim English died alongside their sons Callum and Jayden in the attack on their home at the Birchwood estate.
Two other children remain in critical condition in a Dublin hospital.
Gardaí are investigating whether the arson attack was connected to a drug debt. Investigators are examining information that Mr English may have taken on an alleged drug debt on behalf of someone close to him, which may be linked to the attack.
Tuesday’s attack followed a series of incidents that left the family living in fear for their lives.
As reported by the Irish Examiner, the family had repeatedly tried to be rehoused, while local representatives had also sought to help them.
Gardaí launched a murder investigation shortly after the attack, and the family home remains a crime scene.
The property is still cordoned off as the investigation continues into what Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has described as a “heinous act”.
Detectives, supported by armed Garda units, raided a number of addresses in Waterford on Tuesday night.
There have been no arrests so far.
Gardaí are due to issue a statement on Wednesday morning about the condition of the two surviving English children.
A grand uncle of the family killed has urged those responsible to hand themselves in.
Speaking at the cordon near the family’s burnt-out home in the Birchwood Estate just outside Waterford, James English said that the perpetrators “should be ashamed of themselves” and should hand themselves in.
Mr English, who was Callum’s godfather, fought back tears as he added: “At the end of the day, we have a lot of a family wiped out.”
Earlier, friends had taken Mr English to a spot near the family home where bouquets of flowers have been laid.
Philip English’s sister, Jackie English, paid tribute to her brother, his wife and their two sons, whom she described as her “besties”.
“Heartbroken is an understatement,” she said in a Facebook post on Tuesday night. “Rest in peace my brother Philip, my sister-in-law Kim and my two little besties Callum and Jayden.
“I will never forget ye, my loves. Kim, you were an amazing mammy. You lived for your kids.”
She urged people to pray for Philip and Kim’s two other children, who remain in critical condition in hospital in Dublin.
A prayer vigil for the children will take place at 5pm on Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church in Waterford city.
Picture from the scene on Tuesday at Birchwood estate. Picture: Micheál Ó Scannáil/PA
Also on Tuesday, Johnville FC, the football club where Callum played, paid tribute to him and his family.
The club said in a Facebook post that it was “absolutely heartbroken and devastated” by what had happened.
Callum had been with the club for five years, starting in its academy before progressing through its underage teams from U11 to U14.
“Kim and Philip were familiar and friendly faces around our club, always there supporting Callum at his matches.
“It is incredibly difficult to comprehend that a family we knew so well has been taken from us in such tragic circumstances.
“He was part of our U11 team that proudly won the league two seasons ago.
“All his team mates and coaches are absolutely devastated by the news; the pain of this tragedy will take a long time to heal.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with all the family, their relatives and friends following this unimaginable loss.
“We are also thinking of those who are still fighting for their lives in hospital, and we sincerely hope they can pull through.”
The club also appealed for information that could assist the Garda investigation.
“We would appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist gardaí with their investigation to please come forward and contact the authorities. Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be important.”
Johnville FC also shared a link to a GoFundMe campaign set up to raise money for funeral expenses.
By 1am on Wednesday, the fundraiser had raised €22,085 towards a €24,000 target, from more than 860 donations.
Organiser Shannon Brazil set up the campaign on behalf of Jackie English following “an unimaginable tragedy that has devastated our family”.
Picture from the scene on Tuesday at Birchwood estate. Picture: Micheál Ó Scannáil/PA
“There are no words to describe the heartbreak of losing four precious lives in such devastating circumstances.
“As our family tries to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss, we are faced with the task of arranging four funerals.
“Tragically, two other siblings are also currently in hospital in critical condition.
“Our family is enduring an incredibly difficult time, holding on to hope for those still fighting while trying to process the devastating loss of our loved ones.”
Ms Brazil said the fundraiser had been created to help cover funeral costs.
“All money raised will go directly to Paddy, the children’s grandfather, to help cover these costs and support the family through the days and weeks ahead.
“We know times are difficult for everyone, and we are truly grateful for any support people can offer.
“No donation is too small, and if you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much to us.”