Parents held over arson deaths (From The Oxford Times)

Parents held over arson deaths

12:08pm Tuesday 29th May 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

The parents of six children killed in an arson attack on their home have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Mick Philpott, 55, and his wife Mairead, 31, were detained in connection with the attack on the house in Derby.

The victims, whose ages ranged from five to 13, died after the blaze on May 11.

Derbyshire Police said a 55-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman from Derby were arrested but did not name them. Petrol was used to start the blaze at the house in Victory Road, Allenton, Derby.

Jade Philpott, 10, and brothers John, nine, Jack, seven, Jessie, six, and Jayden, five, all perished in the blaze, while Duwayne Philpott, 13, died of his injuries in Birmingham Children's Hospital two days later.

Announcing the arrests, Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill said: "I suspect there may still be people with crucial information who have not yet come forward to speak to us. In view of the arrests, I would urge anyone who may have been holding back, not felt comfortable to voice their concerns or not had the confidence, to do so now."

At a later press conference Mr Cotterill said the couple, who he did not name, were arrested together in Derby city centre.

The force said it was increasing its presence in Victory Road, with a mobile police station returning to the area along with extra patrols. It said forensic examinations are continuing at the house.

Mr Philpott and his wife faced the media five days after the fire. Mr Philpott repeatedly wiped away tears as he thanked those who tried to rescue his children and members of the local community for their support.

In the aftermath of the fire, police said Mr Philpott made "valiant" efforts to rescue his children during the blaze. Said to have fathered 17 children, Mr Philpott is well known in the local community because of media reports about his large family.