Parents may not attend fire death funerals for safety fears

The funerals of six children killed in a house fire in Derby may be held privately because of fears for the safety of their parents.

Mick Philpott, 55, and his wife Mairead, 31, are accused of murdering their six children in the blaze in Victory Road in Allenton on May 11th.

There were angry outbursts inside and outside the court last week when they appeared to face the charges relating to the deaths of 10-year-old Jade Philpott and her brothers, Duwayne, 13, John, nine, Jack, seven, Jesse, six, and Jayden, five.

The parents were believed to have been arranging for the funerals to take place at Derby Cathedral before their arrests.

But it may not be possible to hold a public service for fears over more public outbursts and a private memorial may now take place instead.

The Prison Service has not confirmed if the couple have applied for leave, but said a risk assessment would be carried out as is standard practice if an application has been made.

The Philpotts will appear at Nottingham Crown Court on June 18th for a preliminary hearing.