Mick Philpott, 55, and his wife Mairead, 31, are accused over the deaths of Jade Philpott, 10, and her brothers John, nine, Jack, eight, Jesse, six, Jayden, five, and 13-year-old Duwayne.

The six children died after the blaze engulfed their semi-detached house in Victory Road, Allenton, Derby, on May 11.

Their parents, who are both in custody, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing.

A second man from Derby appeared in the dock alongside the couple after he was charged with the children's murders earlier this week.

Paul Barry Mosley, 45, was arrested and charged with six counts of murder on Monday by Derbyshire Police.

Mosley, of Cecil Street, Derby, will appear in the dock for a preliminary hearing after being remanded into custody by magistrates in Derby on Tuesday.

Mr and Mrs Philpott did not attend their children's funerals in June.