Parents of 6 Children Killed In Derby House Fire Arrested, Suspected of Murder
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The parents of six children killed in an arson attack on their home were arrested today on suspicion of murder.
Mick Philpott, 55, and his wife Mairead, 31, were detained this morning in connection with the attack on the house in Derby.
The fire, which killed Duwayne Philpott, 13, Jade Philpott, 10 and brothers John Philpott, 9, Jack Philpott, 7, Jessie Philpott, 6, and 5-year-old Jayden Philpott, is thought to have been started deliberately.
Making a fresh appeal for information on Tuesday afternoon police refused to name the two, but said "they were arrested together."
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill of Derby police said there was an "expectation of some degree of privacy" and it would be "only right and proper" to protect people's privacy.
"We're not wanting to prejudice this investigation by releasing those details," he told Sky News, adding they were arrested in Derby city centre.
Detectives confirmed five days after the tragedy in May that the seat of the fire was below the letterbox in the front door of the property and that petrol was thought to have been used as an accelerant.
In a statement on Tuesday morning Constable Cotterill of Debry police 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. They have my personal reassurance that we will deal with their information sensitively."
Cotterill added: “We still need information to help us in this inquiry. The latest arrests are just one step further in the investigation. It is absolutely vital that if you know anything you think could help us, come forward now, do not wait any longer. It is important that we find justice for these six young children.”
Anyone with information should contact the police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or email appeals@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk
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