Father and Mother of 6 children killed in fire are arrested over Murder

[marriedtoagoodun]

Breaking news is that Mr and Mrs Philpott have been arrested for the murder of their six children. I cannot believe this has happened. I pray that a mistake has been made. RIP children.

No. Surely not. I saw there had been arrests but that can't be right. What on earth?

The information released so far is just of the arrests.

The police are appealing for more information in what they say is a complex enquiry which may well be lengthy.

The police have not confirmed the identities of the 55yr old man and 31yr old woman, but the ages match those of the parents.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill's statement said:

"I suspect there may still be people with crucial information who have not yet come forward to speak to us.

"In view of the arrests, I would urge anyone who may have been holding back, not felt comfortable to voice their concerns or not had the confidence, to do so now. They have my personal reassurance that we will deal with their information sensitively.

"We still need information to help us in this inquiry. The latest arrests are just one step further in the investigation. It is absolutely vital that if you know anything you think could help us, come forward now, do not wait any longer. It is important that we find justice for these six young children."

Sounds like they are close to a breakthrough

Sorry my mistake - they have been arrested and it does say in Daily Telegraph artcile that detective work is 'painstaking' and 'ongoing'. I was just so utterly shocked as I watched the interview with the mum and dad and could not stop crying when I watched mum not able to even riase her head. As someone else has said originally other people were linked but then released without charge so this could be a mistake - it happened to Madeline Mccanns parents and that was also awful. The police must be aware that to arrest parents would heighten their pain and anxiety and I imagine it would not be a decsion taken without a huge amount of belief that it was warranted but that does not mean it is true.

I have reported myself and asked for title to be changed = again apologies.

They have been arrested on suspicion of murder, not charged with it.

Murder or manslaughter?

bbc reporting the arrest as murder at the moment

BBC are saying that the parents have been arrested, not charged. How very, very sad.

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/parents-of-derby-death-blaze-children-arrested-on-suspicion-of-murder-7800135.html

For completeness, here's the last bit of the police statement:

ACC Cotterill stressed that the investigation is still ongoing and will be a lengthy process. He added: ?Although the fire happened more than two weeks ago, this is a complex inquiry and it will take time for us to piece together the events from that tragic evening.
?I know this case has deeply affected the local community and residents want answers as to what happened and why. But I would ask them to be patient and to continue to show the excellent support they have given us to date.
"Our investigations are detailed and painstaking and they will take time.?

This makes me feel quite sick.
It's not a charge yet, nor a trial though. I shall await the outcome.

I assumed that was what was going to happen when they put them up in front of a news conference. Even the police have pretty much admitted that they do it to put pressure on suspects.

Utterly tragic .

I am just hoing that this is a case of the police fully exploring all possibilities - the thought that they could be found guilty is so awful

Can we please not have a trial by mumsnet? All this speculating is helping nobody.

It's a high profile, dramatic case and the public has been specifically asked to get involved via press conferences etc. Not 'trial by mumsnet' to show an interest therefore. The police seem pretty certain this is a case of arson, they've arrested and released people before and, like any other case, it's often a process of elimination. Hope they find those responsible quickly.

oh no

I missed this thread - just started another - will go back and link to this.

I agree with Meglet - I assumed this would happen when the police put them in a press conference so soon after it happened. The police do that to gauge their reaction and whether it is natural or not.

When I watched the press conferecne I said to DH that I thought it was them. Parts of their story didn't ring true. I hope it isn't true though

not charged, arrested. Sorry, typo.

I for one hope that they are found innocent because the alternative is so awful to consider. :(

Speculation is happening all over the place elsewhere online, can't see how measley MN discussion could make it any worse.