UK & World News
- 23 June 2012, 9:36
Derby Fire Deaths: Funerals Of Six Children
The funeral of six children who died in a house fire has taken place.
The coffins of the Philpott chidren - Duwayne, 13, Jade, 10, John, nine, Jack, seven, Jessie, six, and five-year-old Jayden - were brought to St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Derby on six horse-drawn hearses.
Their parents, Mick Philpott, 55, and his wife Mairead, 31, are charged with murder and have been remanded in custody. They did not attend the funerals.
The eldest of Mick Philpott's 17 children have been at the forefront of planning the service after local people raised more than £13,000 to pay for the funerals.
A death notice placed in the Derby Telegraph by family members paid tribute to the youngsters.
It said: "They all touched the hearts of so many.
"Wonderful brothers and a beautiful special sister of David, Richard, Michaela, Mikey, Aiden, Jordon, Shareen, Katrina, Kirk, Yawrey and Josh.
"Much loved and precious grandchildren of Peggy and the late John Philpott and Jimmy and Vera Duffy.
"Sadly missed by uncles, aunts and families.
"They will be so greatly missed by us all. Please wear bright-coloured clothes only."
The youngest children perished in the fire at their house on Victory Road, Allenton, in the early hours of May 11 after suffering smoke inhalation. Duwayne died two days later at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
The funerals started at around 11am, after the cortege has passed through Allenton.
Father Alan Burbidge, who has known the family since baptising Duwayne 12 years ago, conducted the full requiem mass.
As well as bible readings, prayers and hymns, school staff paid tribute to the youngsters.
The children are to be buried at Chaddesden's Nottingham Road Cemetery.
On Wednesday, a 45-year-old man was arrested in connection with the deaths. He was released on police bail after questioning by detectives.
Shortly after the fire, police arrested a 38-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman who were released without charge the following day.
what do you think?
Marilyn Francis
Six special children taken to soon, this is so sad R.I.P little ones , 6 twinkling stars will shine brighter tonight, thinking of you all on this very sad day. God Bless, xxxxxx
peter
I was slated by the people on here last time this subject was shown because I gave the opinion that there was something "not right" about the Philpotts and I thought there was more to the tragedy than it seemed. IT SEEMS I WAS RIGHT. That said, today of all days is not the time for finger pointing, so I will not give any negative views. I only hope the 6 kids rest in peace. So sad.
Pauline Wallis
You're right - today's not the day - so why did you still have to say it? Hope it makes you feel better!
Pauline Wallis
Those little ones are innocent, they shouldn't have died so I for one will mourn them. There'll be time enough in the future, after they've been laid to rest, for those that want to, to have their say about the parents. Meanwhile I think the children should be shown respect.
Jennie Morris
Ekki they havn't been tried yet so we have to presume their innocence till proven guilty.
Michael Mcardle
ekki ( thats just gotta be made up or anyone in their right mind would change it by deed poll ) if you thought you were being clever with your flippant remark about the children well let me tell you . all you managed to do was come across as a right a--eh--e fill in the gaps if youre bright enough.but hey on reading youre name again thats probably just what you are
Angharad Fennell
But you did take the time to finger point! Just leave it be and respect the fact that those little children are being buried today. Bless you little children. Such a waste of life :(
john lonsdale
REST IN PEACE LITTLE ONES
Helen Walton
God bless these poor children- may they rest in peace xxxxxx
Raymond Castle
I know that there will be other deaths today and other funerals today and there will be relatives grieving but can anything be so heartbreaking as seeing those six coffins go through that church door knowing that inside them are 5 brothers and 1 sister who will never see each other grow up and experience all the things that people like myself take for granted. R.I.P little ones.
Pauline Wallis
Beautifully said Raymond. Hearing the description of each child read out really brings home the enormity of this tragedy. Heartbreaking.
Jo Brierley
God bless little ones, may you rest in peace x
numerouno
This is nothing suprising.Deliquent people are given benefits in a broken society whose role models are premmisive celebrities.No culture,no boundaries,no rules.Who says this is a democracy you cant even bring your children up with values without the goverments interference in how you discpline your child.All the do gooders are doing they job,while the goverment dismantles culture,religion,families so they can rule directly.
Michael Mcardle
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Chris Robinson
What a putrid comment.
Rebecca Ford
When the parents first appealed on tv i thought their emotions were false as there was no sadness in their tears and thats happened in numerous cases where it turns out to be them who commited the crime.How can parents sit there crying wolf knowing full well it was them in the first place who turned into killers that we will never know.
HARLEY1974
I agree with Rebecca.I too noticed the lack of emotion in that tv news appearance.But some people do deal with things in different ways.But I was shocked to then hear that they were responsible..does anybody know what the circumstances was around why they did this? R.I.P
lucy shaxted
All i can say at this moment of deep sadness is " God Bless you all , may you all rest together with everlasting Peace , " Dear Children x x x x x x
Jim England
R.I.P to the six little innocent children who lost their lives in such a horrific way. This is one of the most heart-wrenching tragedies that's occured in Britain in recent times and has shocked us all. At least they're in a better place now. I hope whoever did this receives the justice they deserve.
Linda Clitheroe
Just because the parents have been charged with the murders of their children, does not mean they will be found guilty of the crime. How can they have a fair trial, with all this media attention.I doubt they will find enough jurers who have not seen the publicity. British Justice can be strange
peter
You are absolutely right, Linda. Don't you think If they are so innocent then they should have been allowed to attend the funerals? I agree that they are innocent until proved guilty. Perhaps the Police know something they are not releasing to the public that prevented them from attending the funerals. It certainly seemed a harsh decision. Whatever the outcome, 6 innocent lives were taken.
Maria Buckingham
Rest in peace Children. No one and nothing can hurt you ever again. Hope your all up in Heaven playing together. look after eachother xxxx
Pauline Wallis
8:38am on 22/6/2012
Six beautiful children. Six more angels gone before their time. May they all Rest in Peace. So sad.