Derby fire deaths: Mick and Mairead Philpott murder charges dropped

Mick and Mairead Philpott, along with Paul Mosley, will face trial in February

The parents of six children who died as a result of a house fire in Derby will now face manslaughter charges.

Mick and Mairead Philpott had been accused of murder, but were told at Birmingham Crown Court that the charge had been downgraded.

Jade Philpott, 10, and her brothers John, nine, Jack, eight; Jesse, six, and Jayden, five, died on 11 May at their house in Victory Road, Allenton.

Their brother Duwayne, 13, died three days later in hospital.

Mr and Mrs Philpott both denied the six manslaughter charges when they appeared in court via videolink.

Third defendant Paul Mosley appeared in the dock at the same hearing and also denied six charges of manslaughter.

The 45-year-old, of Cecil Street, Derby, had been originally charged with murder along with the Philpotts.

All three are expected to face trial in February.