A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after five children died in a house fire.
A sixth child has been taken to hospital for specialist treatment following the blaze in a semi-detached house in Allenton in Derby.
Derbyshire's Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill revealed news of the arrest at a press conference but he stressed that detectives were keeping an open mind about the cause of the fire.
He said the arrested woman is in her 20s.
The children's parents. neighbours and firefighters fought to rescue them from the first floor of the council house.
Mr Cotterill said the father had made a "valiant attempt" to save the youngsters, who were aged between five and ten.
Emergency services were called to the house just before 4am today.
Derbyshire Police said eight people, two adults and six children, were taken to the Royal Derby Hospital.
A spokesman added later: “Police can confirm that five children have died in a house fire on Victory Road, Derby.
“A sixth child aged 13 has been transferred to hospital in Birmingham for specialist treatment. The two adults are not seriously injured.
“The ages of the children who died range from five up to 10 years old. The investigation into the cause of the fire is at a very early stage and it would be wrong to speculate at this time.
“As the investigation continues further information will be released to the public. Anyone who can help the police inquiry into the incident should contact the police.”
PA