Fatal Derby Fire: Pair Released Without Charge

Both a man and a woman arrested by police over the deaths of five children in a house fire in Derby have been released without charge.

It comes after neighbours of the bereaved family launched a fund to help pay for the funerals.

Jade, 10, John, nine, Jack, seven, Jessie, six, and five-year-old Jaydon Philpott were killed when a blaze ripped through their home on Friday morning.

Their 13-year-old brother Duwayne remains in a critical condition in a Birmingham hospital with his parents at his bedside.

A 38-year-old man and 28-year-old woman, both from Derby, who were arrested on suspicion of murder were released without charge on Saturday.

Derbyshire Police say they are still treating the fire as suspicious, and have urged anyone with information to contact them.

Meanwhile, friends of the family want to raise enough money to help pay for the five funerals.

The fund is being supported by Father Alan Burbidge, from St George's Catholic Church , where the children took holy communion.

A service dedicated to the children was held at the church on Saturday morning.

"We are happy to be one of the contributing members and if any help needed," Father Burbidge told Sky News.

"I have just taken a call from an undertaker in Nottingham who has offered five coffins.

"There has been a lot of interest and support. It is wonderful at such a terrible time for people to think of the family in this way and start a fund.

"If people want the church to be a focal point for that, then I will do all I can to help."

Councillors in Derby have also pledged their support.

Police say their investigation is moving along at a rapid pace as forensic teams continue their work at the house where the five children died.

Post-mortem examinations will be carried out over the weekend.

The children's father Mick Philpott is said to have made a "valiant attempt" to save the siblings.

He has fathered 17 children in all and has been the subject of a television documentary involving former Tory MP Anne Widdecombe.