Man arrested on suspicion of murder after elderly couple die in alleged arson attack in St Helens
Peter Eric Greener, 77 - known as Eric - and his partner Sheila Jackson, 83, died after they were pulled from the blaze on South John Street in St Helens at around 12:40am on 15 July.
They were both taken to hospital but Eric died on 16 July, while Sheila died just a day later.
A joint investigation between Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service was carried out following the incident where it was determined an accelerant was used to start the fire maliciously.
Merseyside Police say in the early hours of Sunday 20 July, a 31-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of Murder. He has been taken into custody for questioning.
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson, Senior Investigating Officer, 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 enquiries 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.
"Please do not assume what you know has already been reported to us, as we can quickly make that assessment.'
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