Prayers for Philpott family after deadly blaze

The community of Allenton in Derby has come together to offer prayers after a fire killed six children in a house fire.

Duwayne Philpott, 13, died in the early hours of Monday morning as a result of his injuries.

Jade Philpott, 10, and her siblings, John, nine, Jack, seven, Jessie, six, and Jaden, five, all died in the blaze.

Their father, Michael Philpott, hit media headlines several years ago after it emerged he had 17 children to five women and that he had made both his wife and girlfriend pregnant.

Mr Philpott, 54, and his wife Mairead, 31, were at Duwayne’s bedside when he passed away this morning.

Police said Mr Philpott had made a “valiant” attempt to save his children from the fire.

Prayers were said for the family during Mass at St George’s Roman Catholic Church, where they were members of the congregation.

Father Alan Burbidge said: “We said a lot of prayers for the family, for the children and for the parents of course, facing this very sad situation.”
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