Derby fire deaths: Mick and Mairead Philpott in court

The parents of six children who died in a house fire in Derby have appeared in court charged with their murder.

Mick Philpott, 55, and his wife Mairead, 31, confirmed their names at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court.

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

The couple will appear in custody at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday.

Mr Philpott shook his head as the charges were read out and blew a kiss to family members in the public gallery as he was led out.

A man and a woman were ejected from the court after shouting abuse during the 10-minute hearing.

Derbyshire Police has stressed the investigation into the deaths is ongoing and examination of the scene was continuing.

Detectives believe the fire was started using petrol close to the front door.

Funeral arrangements for the children have yet to be finalised but authorities at Derby Cathedral have agreed to host a Catholic service.

A charitable trust set up to administer money raised for the funerals said earlier this week it had passed the £10,000 mark.

Large numbers of floral tributes left outside the house have now been removed by police officers and placed in a nearby church.