Sixth child dies after house fire (From Thurrock Gazette)
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Sixth child dies after house fire
8:59am Monday 14th May 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013
A general view of the scene in Allenton, Derby, after six children died in a house fire
A 13-year-old boy has died in hospital after a house fire that claimed the lives of five of his brothers and sisters.
Duwayne Philpott, aged 13, died overnight in the Birmingham Children's Hospital with his parents at his bedside, Derbyshire Police said.
His sister Jade, 10, and brothers John, nine, Jack, seven, Jessie, six, and five-year-old Jayden all perished in the blaze at the house in Victory Road in Allenton, Derby, in the early hours of Friday.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill said: "I am sad to confirm the news that Duwayne has died as a result of the injuries he suffered in the fire.
"My deepest sympathies go out to Mr and Mrs Philpott at this distressing time. The family has asked for privacy as they come to terms with the events of Friday and the loss of their children."
A spokesman from Birmingham Children's Hospital said: "Despite the intensive care team's greatest efforts, the injuries that Duwayne received in the fire were too great for him to survive. "
The children were asleep in their beds upstairs when the fire broke out at the semi-detached house in the early hours of the morning. The children's father, Mick Philpott, made a "valiant" attempt to save them, police said.
A 28-year-old woman and 38-year-old man, both from Derby, were arrested by officers investigating the deaths but were yesterday released without charge. Police said they were still treating the fire as suspicious.
Mr Cotterill added: "This investigation is still at an early stage and it should be stressed that we have not yet had the opportunity to speak to Mr and Mrs Philpott properly because they've been caring for their son in Birmingham.
"I want to thank the local community who have already come forward but I would urge anyone with any information, regardless of how insignificant you think it may be, to contact us. We would specifically like to speak to anyone who was in or around Victory Road between 3am and 4am on Friday morning."
