31 May 2012 Last updated at 08:28 ET

Derby fire deaths: Mick and Mairead Philpott in court

Mairead and Mick Philpott held a press conference after the fire to thank emergency services

The parents of six children who died in a house fire in Derby have appeared in court charged with their murder.

Mick and Mairead Philpott, aged 55 and 31, were remanded in custody at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court.

Jade Philpott, 10, and brothers John, nine, Jack, eight, Jessie, six and Jayden, five, died in the house fire on Victory Road on 11 May. Duwayne, 13, died three days later.

The couple will appear at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday.

Mr Philpott shook his head as the charges were read out and blew a kiss to family members in the public gallery as he was led out.

Floral tributes

A man and a woman were ejected from the court after shouting abuse during the 10-minute hearing.

Derbyshire Police has stressed the investigation into the deaths is ongoing and examination of the scene was continuing.

The couple were remanded in custody to appear at crown court on Friday

Detectives believe the fire was started using petrol close to the front door.

Funeral arrangements for the children have yet to be finalised but authorities at Derby Cathedral have agreed to host a Catholic service.

A charitable trust set up to administer money raised for the funerals said earlier this week it had passed the £10,000 mark.

Large numbers of floral tributes left outside the house have now been removed by police officers and placed in a nearby church.