Police have arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of murder following the deaths of an elderly couple in what detectives described as a “sickening” arson attack at their Merseyside home.
Peter Eric Greener, 77, and his partner Sheila Jackson, 83, died after being pulled from their burning home on South John Street in St Helens in the early hours of Tuesday 15 July.
The suspect, from St Helens, was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning and remains in custody for questioning as detectives continue their investigation into the double murder.
Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 12.40am on Tuesday after Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service reported a house fire in progress. The couple were rescued from inside the property and rushed to hospital by paramedics.
Mr Greener, known as Eric, died the following day on Wednesday 16 July, whilst Ms Jackson passed away on Thursday morning from injuries sustained in the blaze.
A joint investigation between Merseyside Police and the fire service determined that an accelerant had been used to start the fire maliciously, with authorities confirming it was believed to have been carried out by a third party.
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson, the Senior Investigating Officer, issued a statement following the arrest. 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,” she said.
The detective superintendent emphasised that extensive enquiries continue and appealed for witnesses to come forward. 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,” she stated.
DS Wilson urged potential witnesses not to assume their information had already been reported. “Please do not assume what you know has already been reported to us, as we can quickly make that assessment,” she added.
The victims had been together for 30 years and had lived at their South John Street home for 15 years. Neighbours described them as a “lovely couple” who were well known in the area.
“Sheila and Eric had been together for 30 years. They’d lived at South John Street for 15 years, and neighbours have described them as a lovely couple, well known in the area,” DS Wilson revealed. “So we are determined to find out what’s happened to them and why.”
Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath, who initially led the investigation, condemned the attack in the strongest terms. “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,” he said.
DCI McGrath described the deliberate nature of the crime as incomprehensible. 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,” he stated.
On Friday, the families of the couple released photographs through police, including one showing Mr Greener with his arm around Ms Jackson. The images were shared as part of the ongoing appeal for information.
The investigation has involved extensive work including reviewing CCTV footage, conducting house-to-house enquiries, and searching for dashcam footage that might provide crucial evidence.
Detective Superintendent Wilson explained the scope of the investigation: “We are looking through CCTV, you’ll see officers doing house-to-house inquiries, we’re looking for dashcam footage and that will help build a picture of what’s gone on.”
She confirmed that establishing the motive would form a key part of their enquiries and that police would be examining whether it was a targeted attack.
The force has set up a dedicated web page for members of the public to submit information or footage that could assist the investigation. They are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who was in the area of South John Street and Parr Street between midnight and 1am on the night of the incident.
Merseyside Police confirmed specialist officers have been assigned to support the families of Mr Greener and Ms Jackson during this tragic time.
The case has shocked the local community, with the brazen nature of the attack on vulnerable elderly residents prompting widespread condemnation and concern for public safety.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Merseyside Police on 101 quoting incident reference 25000580909, or via social media @MerPolCC or through the force website. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The arrest marks a significant development in the investigation, though police stress their enquiries remain ongoing as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic double murder.
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