Five children died in the southern Dutch town of Roermond early today in a fire that may have been lit by their father.
Local reports said the blaze apparently followed a family fight, and that police had arrested the father on suspicion of starting the fire.
The children, aged five to 12, were trapped in the flames that broke out at around 3 am. A sixth child and their mother were taken to hospital with severe injuries. A seventh child was sleeping at a relative's home, the reports said.
Neighbours were quoted saying they had heard an argument in the house after the man returned home, apparently drunk. They noticed the fire shortly after he left the house again.
AP
