Police probe into Stafford house fire which claimed lives continues
Police say the investigation into a devastating house fire which killed four children in Stafford is ongoing with a conclusion expected this autumn.
Detective Inspector Alan Lyford, from Staffordshire Police, said the investigation into the fire in the Highfields area in February has been "complex and lengthy".
Emergency services were called to Sycamore Lane at around 2.40am on Tuesday, February 5.
Riley John Holt, aged eight, Keegan Jonathan Unitt, six, Tilly Rose Unitt, four, and Olly Unitt, three, all died in the fire, while one other child survived.
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.
Detective Inspector Lyford said: "We appreciate the community has been extremely supportive in Highfields and it is understandable there is a continuing demand for answers, but this has been a complex and lengthy investigation.
"I hope people understand that we owe it to the four children who tragically lost their lives to establish the circumstances of exactly what happened that day.
"We will conclude and update on 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 continue to investigate.”
The community rallied together after the tragedy and raised more than £30,000.
The inquests into the children's deaths has been delayed until October while the police investigation continues.
The inquests were opened earlier this year at Burton Town Hall and said the cause of their deaths was "yet to be ascertained".
The house on Sycamore Lane where the children died was gradually demolished and is being replaced with grassland.
