'Loveliest' couple, 83 and 77, 'were killed by petrol bomb in arson attack on home' - as murder detectives say they are 'determined' to catch killers
Following reports of a house fire, emergency services were called to the scene on South John Street in St Helens at around 12.40am on Tuesday, July 15.
The end-terrace home was ablaze when firefighters arrived in the hopes of rescuing the pair who were then rushed to hospital.
Tragically, Peter Eric Greener, 77, died on Wednesday, July 16, and his 83-year-old partner Sheila Jackson died in the morning of Thursday, July 17, in what police have described as an 'absolutely sickening' suspected arson attack.
Now, the 'lovely couple', who had been together for 30 years, have been pictured for the first time, as an 'incredibly close-knit community' struggle to come to terms with their sudden deaths.
Meanwhile, detectives are believed to be investigating whether it could have been a possible petrol bomb attack.
Describing how locals have been left 'in shock' by the blaze, Chris, a father and nearby resident, said that both Mr Greener and Ms Jackson would be remembered as 'lovely, lovely people' who 'kept themselves to themselves'.
He added: 'They had both spent time in hospital over recent months and were quite frail.
'I just have no idea why anyone would do this. There have never been any issues at their home prior to this.
'This is an incredibly close-knit community and we are all in shock. We are supporting the police and hope to see justice done.'
Meanwhile, another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said that members of the community had been left feeling 'raw' and were 'all gutted' by the tragic incident.
The couple, who were parents and grandparents, had been living in the property for 15 years prior to their death.
Detectives leading the murder inquiry visited the scene of the blaze on Friday, where residents and friends had laid flowers and left commemorative messages.
One heartbreaking message that accompanied 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.'
Meanwhile, in another tear-jerking message, one close friend described how they 'will cherish our memories'.
They added: 'You will always be in my heart and thoughts.'
Merseyside Police, who conducted a joint investigation with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, previously found that an accelerant was used to start the fire maliciously.
Neighbours previously explained how the door was ablaze, preventing fire crews from initially rescuing the couple.
Gavin Thelwell, who lives on the same terrace, said: 'When I came out of my house, there were fire engines that had already arrived, but the front door was on fire, which was stopping the firefighters from getting inside.
'They had to put that out before they managed to get them out of the house.'
He continued: 'I feel so sorry for them; they're good people. I chat with them all the time. He's usually walking down with his walking frame to go to the pub, and he'll stop halfway by the street sign to have a break.
'They were always really nice; I just can't believe this has happened. It's so bad.'
Detective chief inspector Steve McGrath, who is leading the investigation, described the attack as 'absolutely sickening', adding that officers were 'determined to find the person or people responsible'.
They added: '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.'
While police have stressed that they are 'still in the early stages of the investigation', part of their initial inquiries are set to 'establish why the fire was started at their house'.
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson added: 'It is early stages in the investigation to establish a motive.
'There are lots of questions about what exactly the reason is [for the house being set on fire] and to say why this has happened.
'Neighbours knew them as a lovely couple. We've gone house to house and neighbours say they were very well known and had been there a long time.'
Any individuals with information related to the fire are being asked to make contact with the police, particularly those who 'live in the area of South John Street and recall seeing or hearing anything suspicious at around the time of the incident'.
DCI McGrath added: '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.'
Any individuals with information are being asked to visit Merseyside Police's dedicated web page to submit information or footage, or call 111 quoting incident reference 25000580909.
Alternatively, they can make contact with independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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