Waterford fire - latest:  Several dead 'including children' as police 'suspect arson'

Waterford fire - latest: Several dead 'including children' as police 'suspect arson' A fire at a house in Waterford in Ireland has resulted in a number of deaths, police have said, with local media saying children are among those killed A horror fire at a house in Waterford in southeast Ireland has resulted in a number of deaths with police saying they suspect an arson attack. There is a huge Emergency services presence at the scene of the blaze at a residence in the city's Birchwood estate this morning. The fatalities are understood to include children, according to local radio station wlr.fm. The blaze was first reported to emergency services at about 5.13am with fire crews rushing to the home Birch Avenue, Kilcohan. Waterford Fire Service said several fire crews went to the scene from surrounding stations. and that they found the blaze "well-developed" when they reached the home. Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins said: "Waterford has been plunged into utter devastation and sadness this morning with the tragic loss of lives overnight in Birchwood." Key Events 'Utter devastation and sadness' after 'tragic loss of lives' Minister of State John Cummins said: "Waterford has been plunged into utter devastation and sadness this morning with the tragic loss of lives overnight in Birchwood. "My deepest sympathies go to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, their friends, neighbours and the wider community. "I would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services personnel who have been attending what can only be described as a horrific scene." Foul play suspected in fire Gardaí suspect foul play, the Irish Mirror reports. Sources have said the main line of inquiry is that the house was targeted in an arson attack. 'Deeply disturbing situation' - Taoiseach Taoiseach Micheál Martin has described it as a "deeply disturbing situation". Mr Martin said details of the incident are still unfolding. Speaking ahead of a cabinet meeting in Dublin, the Irish leader said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with anybody who has lost their lives and all who are affected. We thank the first responders who are at the scene. "We say to everyone to give space to the first responders, to the Gardaí to deal with what clearly is a very worrying and deeply disturbing situation." Garda say officers are attending an 'evolving incident' A Garda spokesperson said: "An Garda Síochána and other emergency services are currently at the scene of a fire at a domestic residence in Waterford City. "As this is an ongoing evolving incident An Garda Síochána is not in a position to provide any further detail." 'A number of casualties were removed from the house' - fire service Waterford Fire Service said several fire crews went to the scene from surrounding stations. and found the "well-developed fire" at the house. "Firefighting operations commenced immediately, and a number of casualties were removed from the two storey house. The fire was extinguished and the scene handed over to An Garda Síochána," a spokesperson for the fire service explained.