Second man, 46, arrested on suspicion of murdering 'deeply loved' elderly couple in 'petrol bomb arson attack' at their home
Relatives have issued a statement in honour of Eric Greener, 77, and 83-year-old Sheila Jackson who died following a blaze at their home in St Helens, Merseyside.
A 46-year-old man from Fazakerley has now been arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody for questioning, Merseyside Police announced today.
That comes after a 31-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday. He was conditionally bailed after questioning.
The force previously confirmed an accelerant had been used to start the blaze in South John Street at around 12.40am on Tuesday last week.
The family statement paying tribute, shared today, said: '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.'
Det Supt Rachel Wilson, senior investigating officer, previously 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 inquiries 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.'
Pictures of the couple, including one showing Mr Greener with his arm around Ms Jackson, were released by their families through the police last week.
Det Chief Insp Steve McGrath described the attack as 'sickening' and 'a truly shocking incident', adding everyone in Merseyside would be 'utterly appalled' at what had happened.
The 'lovely couple' had been together for 30 years and have left an 'incredibly close-knit' community struggling to come to terms with their sudden deaths.
Neighbours described feeling 'raw' and being 'all gutted' by the tragic event.
The couple, who were parents and grandparents, had been living in the property for 15 years before their deaths.
One message left beside a bunch of roses read: 'There are no words to express the sadness that we feel that this senseless act has happened to two of the loveliest people that we had the pleasure of knowing.
'May you both rest in peace together.
'With all of our love from your neighbours and friends.'
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Merseyside Police by calling 101, quoting incident reference 25000580909, or through social media on X @MerPolCC or on Facebook at Merseyside Police Contact Centre.
Information can also be given through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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