Three More Held in Arson Investigation After Elderly Couple’s Death

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Three additional suspects have been arrested as Merseyside Police continue to investigate the fatal house fire that claimed the lives of two elderly residents in St Helens earlier this month.

Merseyside Police confirmed on Tuesday that a further three people have now been arrested in connection with the incident. The suspects include a 45-year-old man from Liverpool, a 48-year-old woman with no fixed address, and a 53-year-old woman from Anfield. All three were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit arson and have been taken in for questioning.

Eric Greener, 77, and his partner Sheila Jackson, 83, both lost their lives after a deliberate fire broke out at their home on South John Street in the early hours of July 15. Emergency services responded shortly after 12:40 am, rescuing the couple from the burning property and taking them to the hospital. Mr Greener died on Wednesday evening, followed by Ms Jackson, who passed away the following morning.

The investigation has been ongoing since the fire was confirmed to have been started deliberately using an accelerant. The property, where the couple had lived for 15 years, was engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived.

One man has already been charged in the case. Lee Owens, 46, who also has no fixed address, has been formally charged with two counts of murder and arson with intent to endanger life. He was due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a 31-year-old man from St Helens who was earlier arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on conditional bail while investigations continue.

Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson, who is leading the inquiry, urged members of the public to continue coming forward with any relevant information. “The investigation is progressing, but I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that we are still gathering all information that might assist us,” she said. “Please don’t assume we already know, as we would much rather make that assessment ourselves. Thank you to all of those who have spoken to us so far.”

The case has shocked the local community, as residents come to terms with the tragic loss of two much-loved individuals described by neighbours as kind and quiet. Police continue to appeal for anyone with closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, dashcam video, or other relevant details to contact the force.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will determine whether further charges will be brought against the newly arrested individuals as enquiries move forward. Detectives have not ruled out additional arrests.

As investigations proceed, Merseyside Police remain committed to ensuring justice is served for Mr Greener and Ms Jackson, whose lives were senselessly taken in a suspected targeted attack. Officers have assured the public that all efforts are being made to hold everyone involved to account.