Two held over Derby house fire deaths

A man and a woman were arrested today in connection with a house fire which killed six children in Derby.

The 34-year-old man and 29-year-old woman were arrested in Derby in connection with the fire in Victory Road which killed Jade Philpott, 10, and her brothers John, nine, Jack, eight, Jesse, six, Jayden, five, and 13-year-old Duwayne.

Duwayne was taken to hospital after being pulled from the house by firefighters in the aftermath of the blaze on May 11 but died two days later.

The children's parents, Mick Philpott, 55, and his 31-year-old wife Mairead, have been charged with all six murders and are due to go on trial next year.

Today Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill said: "These latest arrests are part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.

"Despite the fact that two people have already been charged with murder, we are continuing our investigation to ensure that all lines of inquiry are completed.

"No further information will be released at this time."

Anyone who has any information about the fire is asked to contact Derbyshire Police or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

PA