Derbyshire police have arrested two neighbours, a 34-year old man and a 29-year old woman, in connection with the house fire that spread through the semi-detached home in the early hours of May 11, as the family was asleep, killing six children.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill, of Derbyshire police, said, “These latest arrests are part of the ongoing investigation into circumstances surrounding the fire. Despite the fact that two people have already been charged with murder, we are continuing our investigations to ensure that all lines of inquiry are completed. No further information will be released at this time.”

The fire that broke out on May 11, killed six children - Jade Philpott, 10, and her brothers John, nine, Jack, eight, Jesse, six, and Jayden, five. Their older brother Duwayne, 13, died in hospital two days later.

The parents of the two children Mick Philpott, 55, and his 31-year-old wife, Mairead, charged with murder of these children, have been taken into custody. During a preliminary hearing at Nottingham crown court, the couple were told they would go on trial on January 14, 2013. Their next court appearance is on November 5 for a plea and case management hearing. The funeral of the children took place in their absence.

In a separate incident, a 45-year-old man was arrested in Derby in June, in connection with the investigation. He is due to answer police bail at a later date, but detectives refused to say what charge he was questioned about.

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