Man, 31, arrested on suspicion of murdering ‘lovely' couple, 77 and 83, who died in horror arson attack on their home
Peter Eric Greener, 77, and his partner Sheila Jackson, 83, were in their Merseyside home when the blaze was set alight at around 12.40am on July 15.
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Peter Eric Greener, 77, sadly passed away in hospital the day after the fire
Credit: Merseyside Police
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Sheila Jackson, 83, succumbed to her injuries on July 17
Credit: Merseyside Police
Peter passed away the following day, while Sheila sadly died on July 17.
A joint investigation between Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service was initially carried out.
The probe determined an accelerant was used to start the fire maliciously.
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Cops confirmed a man, 31, was arrested on suspicion of murder this morning.
He remains in custody for questioning.
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson, Senior Investigating Officer, said: 'Although an arrest has been made, I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to pass on information directly to police or anonymously via Crimestoppers, and not to comment or post in any way which jeopardises this ongoing work.
'Extensive enquiries continue, and to that end we are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward, particularly if you live in the area of South John Street and recall seeing or hearing anything suspicious at around the time of the incident.
"Please do not assume what you know has already been reported to us, as we can quickly make that assessment.'
A spokesperson for the force added: "Detectives investigating the double murder of Eric Greener and Sheila Jackson in St Helens have arrested a man on suspicion of Murder.
"Eric, aged 77, and his partner Sheila, 83, died following an arson attack at their home on South John Street, in St Helens, on Tuesday 15 July.
"In the early hours of this morning, Sunday 20 July, a 31-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of Murder.
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"He has been taken into custody for questioning."
If you have any information, you can visit the dedicated force web page to submit information or footage which can help in the investigation.
You can also contact @MerPolCC or report information via their website or call 101 quoting incident reference 25000580909.
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Peter Eric Greener and Sheila Jackson
Credit: Merseyside Police
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