Leicester house fire: Seven men arrested over blaze which killed mother and her three children

Shehnila Taufiq, her teenage sons Jamal and Bilal and daughter Zainab, died in the fire in Wood Hill

The scene of the fatal house fire in Wood Hill, Leicester (PA)

Seven men have been arrested in connection with the deaths of a mother and her three children who were killed in a house fire.

Leicestershire Police said the arrests came after officers executed warrants at several properties in the Leicester area this morning.

The men were detained in connection with the fire in Wood Hill on Friday September 13 , in which Shehnila Taufiq, 47, her daughter Zainab, 19, and sons Bilal, 17, and Jamil, 15, all died.

A force spokesman said the men, aged 16, 18, 20, 21, 24 and two 19-year-olds, remain in police custody while inquiries continue.

Detective Superintendent Kate Meynell, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: "We appreciate that a number of residents may have been concerned with the police presence this morning, and we would like to thank the local community for their understanding and patience as officers carried out these warrants.

"This morning's activity was part of the ongoing investigation into the four deaths in Wood Hill earlier this month.

"We would also like to encourage anyone with information regarding the fire who has not already spoken to the police to contact us."

Kemo Anthony Porter, 18, of Browning Street, Leicester, has been charged with murdering the family and is due to appear at Leicester Crown Court at a later date.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Leicestershire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.