Two people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence after a house fire led to the deaths of four children.

Riley Holt, eight, Keegan Unitt, six, Olly Unitt, three, and Tilly Rose Unitt, four, died after the blaze in Sycamore Lane, Highfields, Stafford, on Tuesday.

Their parents and one sibling survived the blaze having jumped from a top-floor window.

Staffordshire Police said a 24-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man were arrested at around 1.30pm on Friday.

They remain in custody, the force added.

In a statement, police said: "This incident has had a huge impact on the community and we understand there will be confusion and a demand for information.

"However, we would urge people not to speculate as to what may have happened and appeal for patience as the investigation continues.

"We will provide further updates as soon as we are able to."

'Popping' and 'explosions' heard coming from burning house

Neighbours living on the quaint residential street, where property prices average around £130,000, spoke of their "deep sadness" after the tragedy.

Jason Stones, 48, said: "You could hear small pops and explosions coming from the house at about 2.30am.

"My dogs woke me up. I looked out the window and smoke was pouring from the back of the house down the road.