UK & World News
- 12 May 2012, 22:56
Fatal Derby Fire: Pair Released Without Charge
Both a man and a woman arrested by police over the deaths of five children in a house fire in Derby have been released without charge.
It comes after neighbours of the bereaved family launched a fund to help pay for the funerals.
Jade, 10, John, nine, Jack, seven, Jessie, six, and five-year-old Jaydon Philpott were killed when a blaze ripped through their home on Friday morning.
Their 13-year-old brother Duwayne remains in a critical condition in a Birmingham hospital with his parents at his bedside.
A 38-year-old man and 28-year-old woman, both from Derby, who were arrested on suspicion of murder were released without charge on Saturday.
Derbyshire Police say they are still treating the fire as suspicious, and have urged anyone with information to contact them.
Meanwhile, friends of the family want to raise enough money to help pay for the five funerals.
The fund is being supported by Father Alan Burbidge, from St George's Catholic Church, where the children took holy communion.
A service dedicated to the children was held at the church on Saturday morning.
"We are happy to be one of the contributing members and if any help needed," Father Burbidge told Sky News.
"I have just taken a call from an undertaker in Nottingham who has offered five coffins.
"There has been a lot of interest and support. It is wonderful at such a terrible time for people to think of the family in this way and start a fund.
"If people want the church to be a focal point for that, then I will do all I can to help."
Councillors in Derby have also pledged their support.
Police say their investigation is moving along at a rapid pace as forensic teams continue their work at the house where the five children died.
Post-mortem examinations will be carried out over the weekend.
The children's father Mick Philpott is said to have made a "valiant attempt" to save the siblings.
He has fathered 17 children in all and has been the subject of a television documentary involving former Tory MP Anne Widdecombe.
what do you think?
Mary Steel
Whoever did this I hope it haunts them for the rest of their days. What did those little innocent children do to anyone, maybe they had a grudge against the parents or didn't like their lifestyle but there can be absolutely no reason or excuse for such horrific actions. People who commit this type of crime should pay with their own lives. Thoughts and prayers with parents and family and hope the youngster in hospital is able to pull through this.
Dave Harrison
Why is the immediate reaction to a tragedy like this to throw money at the family? I appreciate that folks feel sympathy and want to help but money won't help the kids who died
Jo Brierley
You are right Dave and I get what you are saying, however I guess people are possibly feeling helpless or even guilt and this is their way of dealing with it. These are people initially close to the family if not personally but in proximity who have set it up. It will escalate I imagine though
Gillian Silcox
The idea is not to give family money just for sake of it, but to pay for the funerals of the children they have lost. At a time like this to have the stress of paying for that taken away is going to help. My thoughts are with the family.
Jo Brierley
I know my heart as do you all yours, I know I wished no ill to these children as I havent to the countless others that have died in fires or other tragic circumstances, be there a fund for their families or not.
terri_ryan
No your right Mr Harrison why should people throw money at them its not as though the people in need stand behind the people who ate giving to them with a gun against them telling them too. Stop being so controversial and incitful in your comments.
Louise Smith
No, no, no...... surely this family have had enough benefits. Like you Dave, I feel this will not help the darling children who have died. I pray the 6th child lives and isnt suffering but...... money for a father of eighteen children..... No, no, no
cejenas
This money is to pay for funerals...do you know how spensive is a funeral....and the counselling needed for this couple ...of curse you dont know...because you cant fell somebody ealse pain....think before yiu make a comment..
Jo Brierley
Is this the Dad that was on Jeremy Kyle ? I hope these poor Children didnt loose their lives for a terrible reason. It doesnt bear thinking about. I am in two minds, personally I dont care what happens to my body after I am dead as its my soul that is important. But its not me thats important - its the poor family that is left behind to consider....if they do not have the money to bury these babies then I guess it is something that people want to do to feel helpful in a helpless situation....maybe
Louise Smith
Sadly cejenas I have had to pay for funerals and I do know how expensive they are. Did you see the three programmes that this man was on? Perhaps, if you did, you will then understand my comments.
terri_ryan
I cannot see where this family has asked for donations from the public so why comment on it is it not just media speculation. Next you will be saying he done it for the money. Come on GB where are we at this is our own kids we should not need to be asked regardless if the parents are working or not. This is 5 kids we are talking about here!
Julie Crumpton
Oh well, being as they have had enough benefits.......! Dont try and throw in a " darling children" comment as an after thought.....you made your feelings clear straight off!
ian
Some silly sods will give money.
Julie Crumpton
Do you begrudge these kids then?
movvi
I am quite surprised by the comments here and would find it difficult to write anything negative in such circumstances - although, of course, everyone is entitled to an opinion. My way of looking at it is that if this had happened to a family I knew, or perhaps to some of my pupils, I'd be distraught and unable to even consider NOT making a donation. Local people always pull together in the face of tragedy and in my mind that is the correct way. From a practical perspective, I don't think many of us have the sort of money five funerals would cost just lying about ready so it would also seem a helpful as well as a thoughtful thing to do. Yes, I had plenty to say about this man when he was featured on tv, but losing five of your children is brutal.
Julie Crumpton
Shame is movvi, plenty of people HAVE found it it very easy to make negative comments....!
Donna Trahar
Why are some people so petty mined, the money is to bury FIVE dead children! Let's put things into prospective shall we. Do you really think their father is rubbing his hands together thinking about the moneys he's going to get. Shame on you!
Jo Brierley
Whilst five innocent children have died and no one is desputing that and no one wanted that and I am sure no one denies them a burial. The father has openly said he will not get a job to provide for his 17 children and so you also have to appreciate that some people have strong views on people now giving him money. I do know how expensive a funeral is and had to get the cheapest of everything which was not a fitting tribute but a necessity. I work long hours and have done all my working life as I am sure most of the people making these comments have so I can understand their frustration. That said it doesnt detract from the fact children have lost their lives.
Donna Trahar
This isn't about their father, its about them, would some people be happier if they were just put in carboard boxes and dumped in a hole. God forbid it should happen to anyone posting here
Louise Smith
Well said Jo... This man has robbed tax payers and put two fingers up to us all. I am so, so sad that five of his innocent children died.... but... this man has been on three TV programmes boasting he obtains 3 times the amount in benefits than an honest working man earns!!!!
Sarah Meredith
So ladies I guess you want him to leave them at the morgue, get a job and have them buried one at a time as he saves up?? Wonder if they have a time limit on how long they will keep them - its as if you see this as his just desserts.
terri_ryan
I agree with you i think people need to look beyond the benefit system. This is 5 kids in England that did not deserve to die who deserve more than a pauper send off. Anyone who watches the programme he was in can see they are kids with a father that loved them!
Julie Doughty
Well said Sarah!!
Julie Crumpton
The tragic loss of these kiddies lives seems to be preceded by what a waster the dad was........d,you know.....somehow that is irelevant now.....
Name witheld
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robert
Good question Mavis,WHO GETS THE SURPLUS.Not the family i hope,this bone idle waster has had more than his share of hand outs,any left over money should go to someone or something more deserving.Just like to add that these young kids didnt deserve to die in this horrific way.
Sarah Meredith
If no one can pay for a funeral I understand the local authority pay so that's public money surely. If people want to donate that's their choice. Maybe, just maybe he will be responsible in what he does with any surplus?
terri_ryan
Get off your soap box Mavis these are children who never asked to be brought into life and surely didnt ask to be taken from life. How can you judge a life and how that life should be dispensed off if thats the right word. Yes they are dead as u callously place it but they are children who are part of a family who deserve a good decent funeral
Julie Crumpton
Bit harsh, mavis.....
Dave Harrison
I remember this guy now. Anne Widdicombe got him a job and 3 HOURS later he was back home with a bandage on his wrist claiming he was injured. A waster of the highest degree. As for the 17 kids, you and I are paying for those in the form of benefits every week. We will also end up picking up the tab for the funerals. The kids however are blameless it is just their bad luck they were born to such an idle bar steward
terri_ryan
Have you heard the saying dont judge a book by its cover. Seems your doing that with these kids what does not go to day that these kids could not hold their own and be something and put something back into the community.Put aside the stigma people and look at whats lying in a fridge waiting for a dignified end. Put yourself in the childs shoes not the parents x
Julie Crumpton
Dont focus on the dad......try thinking of the kids who have lost their lives, now is not the time to go over the whys and wherefors....
Donna Trahar
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Royston Pitts
5 young lifes have been lost they were sleeping in bed thats the facts Mr Harrison.whatever your issues regarding money and bad parenthood try to show some compasion for those young lives. RIP you young 1s
Dave Harrison
Its lives not lifes Royston but I do have every sympathy for the kids who were killed. Thier lives were ruined the minute they were born to a father who is a waste of space. There is more to come concerning daddyo in this case yet mark my words
Julie Doughty
Its 'their NOT thier' David....just saying.
Julie Crumpton
Dave....they now have no lives anymore....
stevegs850
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Andy Sunderland
Poor children never knew what a normal life could be like R.I.P little angels x
Julie Doughty
There are some evil comments on here, mostly from women!!! Possibly mothers too!! 5 poor kiddies have perished and you evil gits are moaning about the Dad!! Get a life for Gods sake!!!
Julie Crumpton
Julie, spot on, unbelievable!
Tim Wells
Some of the comms on here really 5 little ones have lost there lives what is wrong with you people RIP x
Julie Crumpton
Tim they should be totaly ashamed of themselves!
Julie Crumpton
Forget the father...and any feelings you have toward him, lets just take a moment here.......these kids have lost their lives, for heavens sake, its not and never will be their fault what their dad was about,.........i have lost a daughter thru murder, i know how it feels to lose a child........but their is no way on this earth can i imagine losing 6 kids,.....SIX KIDS! No all those people who have somehow bypassed the main point, think on......look at your own kids, imagine, if you will, how YOU would feel if you lost them.........
Name witheld
8:06am on 12/5/2012
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