Stafford house fire inquests delayed as police probe continues
Inquests into the deaths of four children who died in a Stafford house fire have been adjourned for three months.
The inquests of Riley John Holt, aged eight, Keegan Jonathan Unitt, six, Tilly Rose Unitt, four, and Olly Unitt, three, were due to take place on Thursday but have been adjourned until October 17 while the police investigation continues.
The children's mother Natalie Unitt, 25, her partner Chris Moulton, 29, and two-year-old Jack all survived the blaze after escaping through a first-floor window of their home in Highfields in February.
The inquests were opened earlier this year at Burton Town Hall and said the cause of their deaths was "yet to be ascertained".
Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Alan Lyford, said: “We will conclude this thorough and complex investigation as soon as we are able to.”
“We want to thank the community for their patience and support while we work to complete this investigation.”
The house on Sycamore Lane where the children died was gradually demolished last month and is being replaced with grassland.
A 25-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence following the fire have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
