Derby fatal fire: Police keeping 'open mind' on motive

Caravan being taken from house ACC Cotterill said the minibus and caravan could not be examined thoroughly in open air at the scene

Related Stories

Police are "still keeping an open mind" on the reasons why a fire which led to the deaths of six children was started.

Officers removed a minibus and caravan from the house in Allenton, Derby, on Monday for forensic examinations.

Derbyshire Constabulary's assistant chief constable said police had finished speaking to the children's parents, Mick and Mairead Philpott.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill said this was helping piece together events before the fire.

"I am committed to this investigation and more than 60 officers continue to investigate this tragedy and are determined to uncover the truth," he said.

Start Quote

More than 60 officers continue to investigate this tragedy and are determined to uncover the truth”

End Quote Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill Derbyshire Constabulary

"We are still keeping an open mind as to the reasons for the fire being set."

Jade Philpott, 10, and brothers John, nine, Jack, eight, Jesse, six, and Jayden, five, all died in the fire in the early hours of 11 May.

Duwayne, 13, died in hospital on 13 May.

All six died from inhaling smoke.

Mr Cotterill said: "We have completed speaking to Mr and Mrs Philpott and this is assisting us in piecing together the events of the evening."

He said the minibus and caravan had been taken to a garage as they could not be examined thoroughly in open air at the scene.

Forensic examinations were also continuing at the scene, he added.

Police are continuing to support Mr Philpott, 53, and Mrs Philpott, 31.

A 28-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man who were arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the fire were later released without charge.

More on This Story

Related Stories

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites

BBC Derby

Weather

Derby

21 °C 14 °C

Features & Analysis

  • Pilots who survived WWII crash on glacierDisaster on ice Watch

    Incredible survival story of WWII crash pilots who beat Arctic winter


  • Michael HastingsRenegade reporter

    Divisive legacy of Rolling Stone journalist Michael Hastings


  • Peanut butter sandwichBad tip?

    Readers' tipping nightmares and fairytales


  • Worshipper at Mount OlympusYe gods

    The Greeks who want to bring back Zeus


Elsewhere on the BBC

  • Low cost carriersBudget boom

    What are the secrets of success of low-cost airlines Ryanair and Easyjet?

Programmes

  • Michael HanekeTalking Movies Watch

    Documentary probes the enigma of Amour film-maker Michael Haneke

BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.