Reports of five arrests over Doha fire

Qatar's attorney general has ordered the arrest of at least five people over the blaze in Doha that killed 19 people.

Two-year-old New Zealand triplets were among the victims of the blaze at a daycare centre at the Villagio shopping mall.

Doha News reports the auditor general has ordered the arrests that include the mall's owner and the owner of the daycare centre.

He's also ordered that the mall manager, the assistant manager and the assistant director of security be detained as part of the investigation.

An investigation has also been launched into the blaze amid reports that security staff at the complex were slow to act and the alarms were hard to hear.

An emotional vigil has been held for the victims of the Doha shopping mall fire.

Martin and Jane Weekes were at the vigil at Aspire Park which is adjacent to the Villagio Mall, after losing their children Lillie, Jackson and Willsher in the blaze.

Gulf News reporter Peter Townson says there were many ex-pat New Zealanders at the vigil.

"They performed a haka and one of the representatives said a few words, then they sang a traditional song."

Mr Townson says the representative who spoke expressed his gratitude at people turning out, and also condolences to everyone involved, from all the different countries.

Mr Townson says several hundred people turned out to lay flowers, light candles and remember those who have died.

He says there was a big screen at the park displaying condolence messages, and people also laid flowers and lit candles.

In a statement, Jane and Martin Weekes have thanked friends, family and strangers for their support.

They say their triplets came into this world together and were inseparable as siblings, they were best friends and the joy of their life.

Photo: The vigil in Doha (youtube)