Latest news with #StHelens
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Two more people arrested in connection with murders of great-grandparents in St Helens house fire
Two more people have been arrested in connection with the murders of great-grandparents who died in an arson attack at their home in St Helens. Eric Greener, 77, and Sheila Jackson, 83, died after the blaze in the early hours of 15 July. On Thursday, Merseyside Police said that a 33-year-old man from Aigburth was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and possession of cannabis. He has been taken to a police station for questioning. A 36-year-old woman from Everton was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit arson. She has been conditionally bailed. Lee Owens, 46, of no fixed address, has been charged with two counts of murder and arson with intent to endanger life. He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 28 November. Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath said: "Progress is being made but I would also like to take this opportunity to ask for anyone who holds information to come forward if you haven't yet done so. "Please do not assume that we already know something which could be a vital piece of the jigsaw. Let us make the assessment and take the appropriate action." A 31-year-old man from St Helens who was arrested on suspicion of murder remains on conditional bail. A 48-year-old woman of no fixed abode; a 53-year-old woman from Anfield and a 45-year-old man from Liverpool, who were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit arson, have been conditionally bailed.
Sky News
17 hours ago
- Sky News
Two more people arrested in connection with murders of great-grandparents in St Helens house fire
Two more people have been arrested in connection with the murders of great-grandparents who died in an arson attack at their home in St Helens. Eric Greener, 77, and Sheila Jackson, 83, died after the blaze in the early hours of 15 July. On Thursday, Merseyside Police said that a 33-year-old man from Aigburth was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and possession of cannabis. He has been taken to a police station for questioning. A 36-year-old woman from Everton was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit arson. She has been conditionally bailed. Lee Owens, 46, of no fixed address, has been charged with two counts of murder and arson with intent to endanger life. He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 28 November. Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath said: "Progress is being made but I would also like to take this opportunity to ask for anyone who holds information to come forward if you haven't yet done so. "Please do not assume that we already know something which could be a vital piece of the jigsaw. Let us make the assessment and take the appropriate action." A 31-year-old man from St Helens who was arrested on suspicion of murder remains on conditional bail. A 48-year-old woman of no fixed abode; a 53-year-old woman from Anfield and a 45-year-old man from Liverpool, who were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit arson, have been conditionally bailed.
BBC News
17 hours ago
- BBC News
St Helens murder detectives make further arrests over couple's deaths
Two more people have been arrested in a murder probe into the deaths of a couple in a house fire. Eric Greener, 77, and 83-year-old Sheila Jackson, died after the blaze at their home in South John Street, St Helens, Merseyside, on 15 July. A 33-year-old man from Aigburth is being held on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and possession of cannabis and will be questioned by police. A woman, 36, from Everton has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit arson has been conditionally bailed.A total of seven people have now been arrested as part of what police have described as a "fast-moving investigation". "Progress is being made but I would also like to take this opportunity to ask for anyone who holds information to come forward if you haven't yet done so," Det Chief Ins Steve McGrath of Merseyside Police said."Please do not assume that we already know something which could be a vital piece of the jigsaw. Let us make that assessment and take the appropriate action."Lee Owens, 46, of no fixed address, has been charged with two counts of murder and arson with intent to endanger has been remanded into custody and will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 28 November.A 31-year-old man from St Helens, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, remains on conditional bail.A 48-year-old woman of no fixed abode, a 53-year-old woman from Anfield, and a 45-year-man from Liverpool, who were arrested on suspicion on conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit arson, have been given conditional bail. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
First picture of man accused of killing couple in arson attack
A man accused of killing an elderly couple in a house fire has been pictured for the first time. Lee Owens, 46, is accused of the murders of Eric Greener, 77, and his partner Sheila Jackson, 83, who both died following the fire at their home on South John Street, St Helens, on Tuesday, July 15. Owens made his first appearance in Liverpool Magistrates Court yesterday morning, charged with two counts of murder and two counts of arson with intent to endanger life. Appearing in the docks wearing a grey sweatshirt, he spoke only to confirm his date of birth and lack of a fixed address. No indication of plea was given. The case was immediately sent to the Crown Court, where Owens is due to appear on Tuesday, July 29. READ MORE: Bar on one of Liverpool's most famous streets faces council investigation READ MORE: KFC to take over site on street filled with rivals Owens was denied bail due to the seriousness of the charges. Brian Jackson, defending, said: "There is no opportunity for bail and the matter needs to go to the Crown Court." Bench chairman Mark Appleton said: "We have heard this court cannot deal with (the case) and it will now need to be brought to Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday morning. Until then you are remanded in custody." Paying tribute to Ms Greener and Mc Jackson in the wake of the incident, the family said in a statement: "Sheila and Eric, also known as our Queen and King, were a deeply loved mum, nan, great nan, sister, auntie, dad, step-dad, grandad, great-grandad, uncle and couple. 'They were known for being the life and soul of the party, always loving a song on the karaoke and enjoying a great caravan holiday. They will forever be devastatingly missed but eternally loved by their family, friends and the community.' In the days following the fatal fire, Merseyside Police said accelerant had been used. Neighbours told the ECHO how the front door was enveloped in flames, slowing down firefighters' attempts to rescue the couple. Speaking to the ECHO from Merseyside Police's HQ, detective superintendent Rachel Wilson said the grandparents had been together for 30 years and had been living at the address in St Helens for 15 years. Detective chief inspector Steve McGrath, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Firstly, I want to express my condolences to the family of Mr Greener and Ms Jackson as this tragic time and we have specialist officers in place to support them. 'This is a truly shocking incident and I'm sure that the community and everyone in Merseyside will be utterly appalled at what has happened. 'It's difficult to comprehend how someone could deliberately start a fire while two elderly people are inside the home. It's absolutely sickening, and we are determined to find the person or people responsible. 'An investigation is ongoing as we look to establish exactly why this has happened and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. 'If you live in this community and saw or heard something suspicious at any point during this evening, please let us know as a matter of urgency. 'Also, if you have CCTV or a smart doorbell, take the time to review any footage you have to see if you captured anything that could prove to be significant. Even if it appears to be a small detail, it could end up being vital to our inquiries. 'I would also ask that any drivers who have dashcam footage and were in the area of South John Street and Parr Street between midnight and 1am to contact us if you have captured anything significant.'
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ray French, legendary BBC commentator and 'Voice of Rugby League' dies at 85
The world of rugby league is mourning the loss of legendary commentator Ray French, who has passed away at the age of 85. The St Helens-born icon, known as the 'Voice of Rugby League', had been battling dementia in recent years. French's illustrious career spanned over three decades with the BBC, taking over from Edding Waring in 1981 and remaining a beloved figure on air for an impressive 38 years. He was also a former international player in both union and league, earning him an MBE in 2011 for his services to rugby league. (Image: PA) The BBC shared the sad news on their social media, stating: "Rugby league great Ray French, who commentated on the sport for the BBC over four decades, has died at the age of 85. Our thoughts, from everybody at BBC Sport, are with all his family and friends." After confirming his passing, the BBC will be airing a re-run of a episode of Rugby League Heroes from 2016 which featured French. Tributes are flooding in following the sad news. The charity RL Cares posted on X saying: "Sad news Ray French MBE, the former St Helens, Widnes and Great Britain international and for many years the voice of rugby league on the BBC passed away earlier today. (Image: Mike Brett/Popperfoto via) "Ray, who has been suffering from dementia in recent years, was 85. Thoughts are with Ray's family." His successor at the BBC, Dave Woods, added: "So many fabulous memories of Ray as both friend and colleague. He injected incredible warmth and passion in his commentary and journalism. Just a wonderful, kind and humble man. You always wanted to be in his company." Former Widnes and Great Britain star Jonathan Davies also wrote: "Really sad news of the passing of my friend and legend rugby player and broadcaster. I know Ray had not been well for a while so I hope he passed peacefully. "Had many great days with Ray he was such a lovely man. I hope the RL appreciated what great work did for the game. RIP Ray my condolences to all your family and friends." (Image: The FA via Getty Images) Leeds Rhinos hall of famer Barrie McDermott described French as a 'genuine legend'. "Really sad news," McDermott posted. "A genuine rugby league legend and the voice of our sport for so many. A master of his trade, a man who had time for everyone. Always good with me, generous with his advice and kind with his time. Thoughts with his family and many friends. Rest In Peace Ray." French played for England in union, winning four caps in the second row in 1961 before moving to league. He signed for his home town club, St Helens, that year and helped them win the Challenge Cup five years later. In 1968, he appeared four times for Great Britain in international league. French left to join Widnes after 204 matches in Saints colours and played 123 times for the Chemics. French also had a career away from the pitch. He was a rugby master at Cowley High School.
