Derby Fire Deaths: Funerals Of Six Children

The funeral of six children who died in a house fire has taken place.

The coffins of the Philpott chidren - Duwayne, 13, Jade, 10, John, nine, Jack, seven, Jessie, six, and five-year-old Jayden - were brought to St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Derby on six horse-drawn hearses.

Their parents, Mick Philpott, 55, and his wife Mairead, 31, are charged with murder and have been remanded in custody. They did not attend the funerals.

The eldest of Mick Philpott's 17 children have been at the forefront of planning the service after local people raised more than £13,000 to pay for the funerals.

A death notice placed in the Derby Telegraph by family members paid tribute to the youngsters.

It said: "They all touched the hearts of so many.

"Wonderful brothers and a beautiful special sister of David, Richard, Michaela, Mikey, Aiden, Jordon, Shareen, Katrina, Kirk, Yawrey and Josh.

"Much loved and precious grandchildren of Peggy and the late John Philpott and Jimmy and Vera Duffy.

"Sadly missed by uncles, aunts and families.

"They will be so greatly missed by us all. Please wear bright-coloured clothes only."

The youngest children perished in the fire at their house on Victory Road, Allenton, in the early hours of May 11 after suffering smoke inhalation. Duwayne died two days later at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

The funerals started at around 11am, after the cortege has passed through Allenton.

Father Alan Burbidge, who has known the family since baptising Duwayne 12 years ago, conducted the full requiem mass.

As well as bible readings, prayers and hymns, school staff paid tribute to the youngsters.

The children are to be buried at Chaddesden's Nottingham Road Cemetery.

On Wednesday, a 45-year-old man was arrested in connection with the deaths. He was released on police bail after questioning by detectives.

Shortly after the fire, police arrested a 38-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman who were released without charge the following day.