Derby fire deaths: Philpott killings 'not predictable'

A serious case review into the deaths of six children in a Derby house fire has concluded their deaths "could not have been predicted or prevented".

The review outlined social services, police and health workers were given no reason for concern before the blaze.

The children, aged between five and 13, died as a result of the fire at their home in Victory Road in May 2012.

Parents Mick and Mairead Philpott, and their friend Paul Mosley, were jailed for manslaughter last April.

The Derby Safeguarding Children Board (DSCB) said the review was to "examine closely" agency work and practices.

'Sad truth'

The report concluded it was well known for many years about overcrowding issues in the home and that living arrangements were "unorthodox".

The report also stated no members of the family, community, teachers or agencies had raised concerns about the children.

Mick and Mairead Philpott and Paul Mosley were convicted in April
Glenys Johnston, the report's author, said: "Despite the horrific deaths of these children there are few areas for learning for professionals.

"The sad truth is that no-one could have predicted or prevented the events that took place on 11 May 2012."

The report added: "Given the notoriety of the father, the incidents of domestic abuse and visibility of the children, there were some opportunities to get to know the family better.

"However this would not have led to professionals becoming aware that there were plans to deliberately set fire to the house when the children were sleeping."

'Unusual family'

The report made 10 recommendations for improving practice and procedures among the police, local authority and health services, many of which the DSCB said were already in place.

It outlined that a system had been put in place to ensure children in large families were linked when referrals were received and clearer guidelines had been introduced for police officers investigating domestic violence to ensure children's details were recorded.

DSCB chair, Christine Cassell, said: "This was an unusual family and the adult relationships were unusual, but they were never illegal.

"The evidence found that the children were happy, well nourished, attended school and they had good social relationships between themselves and with other children."

A spokesperson for Derby City Council said the authority "acknowledges the findings".

Jade Philpott, 10, John, nine, Jack, eight, Jesse, six, and Jayden, five, died in the fire. Duwayne Philpott, aged 13, died later in hospital.
Source:BBC