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Inquest delayed for second time over tragic Stafford house fire

An inquest into four children who tragically died in a Stafford house fire has been delayed for a second time.

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Left to right: Keegan, six, Tilly, four, Olly, three, and Riley, eight, all died in the fire. Baby brother Jack survived.

It comes as a man and woman continue to be investigated by police for manslaughter by gross negligence.

Riley John Holt, aged eight, Keegan Jonathan Unitt, six, Tilly Rose Unitt, four, and Olly Unitt, three, all died in the blaze in February.

The children’s mother, Natalie Unitt, and her partner, Chris Moulton, escaped the fierce blaze alongside their two-year-old son through a first-floor window.

A 25-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man, who were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence following the fire, have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

The inquest, which was due to be held tomorrow , has been delayed until December 19 so South Staffordshire's coroner's office can gather more evidence.

Detective Inspector Alan Lyford, of Staffordshire Police, 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.”

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