16/05/2012

Derby House Fire 'Started With Petrol'

A house fire in which 6 children died was started deliberately, using petrol, police have confirmed.

Speaking at a media conference police have said the blaze was believed to have originated below the home's letterbox.

Jade Philpott, 10, and brothers John, nine, Jack, seven, Jessie, six, and Jayden, five, all died in the fire. Duwayne, 13, died later in hospital.

The children's father, Mick Philpott, said the family had been "overwhelmed" with support from the local community.

He said Duwayne's organs had been donated to save the life of another child and made an appeal for privacy.

"Please leave my family alone. If you've got any questions or anything at all please don't come through me and my family, please go to the police," he said.

"You're disrupting what these officers are trying to do. So please, I beg you, leave us alone and let us try and grieve in peace and quiet."

Mr Philpott paid tribute to the efforts of the emergency services in trying to rescue his children and thanked people for their messages of support.

Derbyshire Constabulary said the investigation into the fire, on Victory Road in Allenton on Friday, was progressing well.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill said: "I would ask people to continue helping us with our investigation by checking the area they live for signs of discarded containers which may have contained petrol.

"Please check your gardens or any hedges in your street and call us if you find anything you believe could have stored petrol.

"I am also appealing for forecourt staff to come forward if they can recall selling petrol in a container to anyone in the days leading up to the fire."

(H)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 May 2009
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
31 August 2006
Firefighters launch four-day strike
More than 1,000 firefighters across Merseyside have begun a four-day strike in protest over planned job cuts. Another four-day stoppage is scheduled to begin two hours after the first one ends.
14 March 2013
Trial Hears Philpott Explain Petrol On Clothes
Michael Philpott has claimed that petrol was found on his clothes because he did not shower or bath for twelve weeks.
03 March 2010
Suspicious Glasgow Car Fires
Detectives in Glasgow's East End are investigating a spate of vehicle fire attacks in the city yesterday. Shortly after 3.30am police were called to a report of a vehicle fire in Ashvale Crescent, Glasgow. Upon arrival police were advised by Strathclyde Fire Service that four vehicles had been damaged by fire.
19 November 2008
Chief Fire Officer Resigns Over Child Porn Arrest
A top fire officer for the West Midlands Fire Service has resigned after he was arrested on suspicion of making indecent images of children. West Midlands Police arrested Frank Sheehan, 55, yesterday at his home in Sutton Coldfield.