Killer Mick Philpott faces rape inquiry
Police have begun investigating "further offences" allegedly committed by child killer Mick Philpott, including a claim he raped a woman.
Philpott was jailed for life for the manslaughter of six of his children in a fire at his home in Derby.
After his conviction, police said they intended to "thoroughly" investigate a woman's claim that he had raped her.
Police would not comment on the type of offences now being considered but the BBC understands they include rape.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill said: "We can confirm that officers from Derbyshire Constabulary are making inquiries into allegations of further offences committed by Mick Philpott.
"These allegations came to light during the investigation into the fire in May last year in which his children died.
"Investigations are continuing and it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time."
Philpott, 56, was told at Nottingham Crown Court that he would serve a minimum of 15 years in prison.
The court heard he had a criminal record and had tried to murder a previous girlfriend.
He was jailed for seven years in 1978 after repeatedly stabbing her and given a concurrent five-year sentence for stabbing her mother, causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
In 1991 he received a two-year conditional discharge for assault occasioning actual bodily harm after he headbutted a colleague.
And in 2010 he was given a police caution after slapping his wife Mairead Philpott and dragging her outside by her hair.
Mairead was also convicted of the manslaughter of the children, together with friend and lover Paul Mosley. Both were told they would serve half their 17-year sentences.
Jade Philpott, 10, John, nine, Jack, eight, Jesse, six, and Jayden, five, died on the morning of the fire on 11 May 2012.
Mairead Philpott's son from a previous relationship, 13-year-old Duwayne, died later in hospital.