Police have launched a murder investigation after an elderly couple died following a deliberate house fire in St Helens that investigators have branded “absolutely sickening”.
Peter Eric Greener, 77, and his partner Sheila Jackson, 83, were inside their South John Street home when an arsonist struck at approximately 12.40am on Tuesday, 15 July. Emergency services rushed to the scene after Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service raised the alarm, and firefighters rescued the couple from the burning property before they were taken to hospital in critical condition.
Mr Greener died on Wednesday evening, whilst Ms Jackson succumbed to her injuries on Thursday morning. Following a joint investigation between Merseyside Police and fire officials, detectives determined that an accelerant had been used to start the blaze maliciously.
“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,” said Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath, who is leading the murder investigation.
Deliberate Attack on Vulnerable Victims
The investigation has revealed that the fire was started by a third party using an accelerant, confirming the attack was deliberate. Police are treating the incident as a double murder and have appealed urgently for witnesses who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area.
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,” DCI McGrath stated.
Detective Inspector Steve Byrom echoed these sentiments, saying: “Two residents of this home are in a critical condition and I am sure the community will be appalled at what has happened.” His comments were made before both victims had died from their injuries.
Community in Shock
The attack has sent shockwaves through the St Helens community, where the median average age is 42.9, with over 20.6% of the population aged over 65. The borough has a significant elderly population who are particularly vulnerable to such attacks.
Superintendent Chris Ruane, who leads Local Policing in St Helens, acknowledged the community impact: “I understand the impact that such a shocking incident will have on the community. Please be assured that this incident is being taken extremely seriously and there will be more officers in the area to offer reassurance to residents.
High-visibility patrols have been increased in the South John Street area, with officers conducting door-to-door enquiries and speaking directly with concerned residents. The police presence aims to both gather information and provide reassurance to a community left reeling by the brutal nature of the crime.
Urgent Appeal for Information
Merseyside Police have issued an urgent appeal for anyone with information to come forward immediately. They are particularly interested in CCTV footage, dashcam recordings, or smart doorbell footage from the area.
“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,” DCI McGrath urged. 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.
The senior detective emphasised that even seemingly minor details could prove crucial: “Even if it appears to be a small detail, it could end up being vital to our inquiries.”
Police are specifically requesting that any drivers who were in the area of South John Street and Parr Street between midnight and 1am on Tuesday morning check their dashcam footage. The proximity to main thoroughfares means passing motorists may have inadvertently captured important evidence.
Investigation Intensifies
Whilst police have confirmed they are still in the early stages of the investigation, resources have been poured into solving this double murder. Specialist officers are supporting the victims‘ family during this tragic time, whilst detectives work around the clock to establish a motive and identify suspects.
“We are determined to get answers to what happened,” Superintendent Ruane assured the community. The investigation team is exploring all possible leads and motives for why this particular home was targeted.
The use of an accelerant indicates premeditation, suggesting this was not a random attack. Investigators will be examining whether the victims knew their attacker and what might have motivated such a heinous crime against an elderly couple.
Previous Incidents Heighten Concerns
The attack comes just over a month after a 64-year-old man from St Helens was charged with arson following an incident on Carillon Way on 6 June. Kevin Jolley was charged with arson with intent to endanger life in that separate case, highlighting ongoing concerns about arson attacks in the borough.
St Helens has seen its share of violent crime in recent years, though attacks on elderly victims remain relatively rare. The deliberate targeting of vulnerable pensioners in their own home has struck a particular nerve with both police and the public.
Support for the Community
Specialist family liaison officers are providing support to relatives of Mr Greener and Ms Jackson as they come to terms with their loss. DCI McGrath expressed his condolences: “Firstly, I want to express my condolences to the family of Mr Greener and Ms Jackson at this tragic time and we have specialist officers in place to support them.”
Local community groups and councillors have also rallied to support residents affected by the shocking incident. Extra police patrols will continue in the coming days as the investigation progresses.
How to Contact Police
Anyone with information about the arson attack should contact Merseyside Police immediately through multiple channels:
- Via X (formerly Twitter) @MerPolCC
- Through Facebook at ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre
- By calling 101 and quoting incident reference 25000580909
- Through the force website’s crime reporting function
- Anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Detective Inspector Byrom emphasised: “Do the right thing and come forward if you hold any information, no matter how small.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with detectives following up multiple lines of enquiry. As the community grapples with this tragedy, police stress that finding those responsible remains their absolute priority.
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