Derby fire deaths: Children remembered at community event

More than 300 people have attended a community event to remember six children who died in a house fire in Derby.

Jade Philpott, 10, and brothers John, nine, Jack, eight, Jessie, six and Jayden, five, died in the 11 May blaze. Duwayne, 13, died three days later.

Their parents Mick and Mairead Philpott have been charged with their murders.

The event saw well-wishers joining hands and saying prayers outside the house in Allenton.

Local priest Father Alan Burbidge joined neighbours and others wishing to pay their respects at nearby Osmaston Park.

'Dignified funeral'

The group then walked to Victory Road, where the fire happened, and joined hands to form a human chain along the street.

A collection was also made for a community fund to help pay for the funerals, which has already raised more than £11,000.

Father Burbidge said: "People here will say they've turned out to show their respects for the children.

"There will have been some funds raised to help them have a dignified and lovely funeral."

The community organisation which arranged the event had originally planned a 1,600-person human chain but plans were scaled down due to the lower turnout.