Derbyshire Police have arrested a woman on suspicion of murdering five children, aged between five and 10 years, who died in a house fire in Victory Road, Allenton, Derby.

The news of the arrest was revealed at a press conference by Derbyshire’s Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill but he pressed that detectives were keeping an open mind about the cause of the fire.

According to the reports, the children were asleep when the fire began at 03:45 BST. Mick Philpott, the householder and father of 14, who was downstairs in the house made “valiant attempts” to save them.

Reportedly, the sixth child, aged 13, has been taken to hospital with life threatening injuries. Two adults, who also suffered minor injuries, have been taken to the Royal Derby Hospital for treatment.

“There appears to have been some valiant attempts by the father to resuscitate his children. The parents were asleep downstairs when the fire started”, said Steve Cotterill, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable of Derbyshire Police. Derbyshire Police confirmed that they have arrested a woman in her late 20s on suspicion of murder, but denied to reveal if she was related to any of the victims.

All five children, who were killed in the fire, went to St George’s Catholic Primary School in Littleover, Derby. ”We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and community at this sad time. Whilst this is under police investigation, we are unable to make further comment”, said a school spokeswoman.

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