THE mother and father of six children who were killed by an arson attack on their home in Derby, central England, were arrested today in connection with the deaths, Sky News reported.
Mick Philpott, 55, and his wife, Mairead, 31, were arrested on suspicion of murder 18 days after their six children, 13-year-old Duwayne, 10-year-old Jade, and brothers John, nine, Jack, seven, Jessie, six and five-year-old Jayden, were victims of the attack.
The five youngest children all died in the fire, while Duwayne succumbed to his injuries in the hospital two days later.
Mick and Mairead Philpott were not inside the house when gasoline was deliberately poured through the mail slot.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill 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."
He continued, "They have my personal reassurance that we will deal with their information sensitively. We still need information to help us in this inquiry."
Mick and Mairead Philpott spoke at a news conference five days after their children died to thank members of the local community for their "overwhelming" support since the tragedy.
Police said at the time that Mick Philpott had made a "valiant" attempt to save his children.