Derby Fire Arrests

Mick Philpott and his wife Mairead were remanded in custody when they appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court today charged with murdering six of their children, who died after a fire at their home in Allenton in Derby on May 11.

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The parents of six children who died following a fire at their home have been charged with their murders.

Michael Philpott and Mairead Philpott have been charged with murder and will appear before Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.

The fire was reported in the early hours of Friday May 11. Five children lost their lives that day and their brother died the following Monday.

“The evidence was reviewed by a Crown Advocate from the CPS East Midlands Complex Casework Unit, who decided that there was sufficient evidence to charge and that it is in the public interest for a prosecution to take place.

“It is important to note that the defendants are entitled to a fair trial and nothing should be said or reported that would prejudice that right.”

“Following the appeal yesterday a number of people have come forward with more information but I want to stress that the two charges this evening should not be seen as the end of the investigation.

“We are determined to get to the truth of what happened and still want people to speak to us to tell us what they know about this tragedy.”

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Derbyshire Police say they have been very encouraged by the response for information in connection to a house fire in Derby.

Six children died as a result of the fire, which happened on Victory Road in the Allenton area of the city on May 11.

Yesterday, Mick and Mairead Philpott, the parents of the children, were arrested on suspicion of murder.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill made an appeal after the arrests.

Mr Cotterill said: “A number of people have come forward with additional information that has been extremely useful to the inquiry team. They have taken on board my promise that we will treat them sensitively and in confidence.

“It is now vital that other people do the right thing and talk to us if they know anything that would help us further.

“I appreciate that it will be difficult for some people but they should put their trust in us. My appeal is do not wait any longer – come forward now and do the right thing.”

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Mick and Mairead Phillpott were arrested yesterday on suspicion of murder after the arson attack.

Five children died in the fire, a sixth died two days later in Birmingham Children's Hospital.

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Steve Cotterill, Assistant Chief Constable for Derbyshire Police has asked for anyone who has any additional information to come forward, "irrespective of any family loyalty, loyalty to friends or if you've not had that confidence to come forward before."

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Tributes and gifts have been taken from outside the house

Derbyshire Police say Mr and Mrs Philpott have agreed for them to be taken away and been placed in St George’s church because of the likelihood of rain.

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