Father ‘killed six children while trying to frame ex’

A father accused of killing his six children in a house fire started the blaze as part of a “plan” to frame his ex-girlfriend after becoming locked in a custody battle with her, a court has heard.

Mick Philpott, along with his wife Mairead, allegedly started the fire at their semi-detached home after making reports to the police that his former partner, Lisa Willis, had been threatening him and his family.

There were emotional scenes during their man- slaughter trial at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday as the 999 call made by the couple as the fire took hold was played to the jury.