Derby Fire Deaths: More Time To Quiz Parents

Police have been given more time to question the parents of six children killed in an arson attack on their home in Derby.

Mick Philpott, 55, and his wife Mairead, 31, were arrested on suspicion of murder on Tuesday.

Police have already confirmed petrol was used as an accelerant.

Duwayne Philpott, 13, Jade Philpott, 10, and brothers John Philpott, nine, Jack Philpott, seven, Jessie Philpott, six, and Jayden Philpott, five, all died as a result of the fire.

The fire broke out at the house, in Victory Road, Allenton, in the early hours of May 11.

At a news conference earlier Derbyshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill asked people to come forward with any information about the fire.

"Please don't see these two arrests as the police inquiry coming to an end, this is not the case," he said.

He had earlier issued a statement in which he said: "I suspect there may still be people with crucial information who have not yet come forward to speak to us.

"They have my personal reassurance that we will deal with their information sensitively.

"We still need information to help us in this inquiry. The latest arrests are just one step further in the investigation."

A 38-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, who were arrested on suspicion of murder shortly after the fire, were released without charge the following day.

Mr Philpott and his wife faced the media at a news conference five days after the fire.

He repeatedly dabbed his eyes as he thanked those who tried to rescue his children and members of the local community for their support.

Talking to reporters for about two and a half minutes, Mr Philpott repeatedly paused to compose himself and said he and his wife had decided to donate Duwayne's organs for transplant.

Tributes and gifts, which remain outside the house more than two weeks after the fire, are being moved with the family's agreement.