Two more arrests over couple's fire deaths

Sheila Jackson and Eric Greener died following the fire at their home in St Helens

Two more people have been arrested in a murder probe into the deaths of a couple in a house fire.

Eric Greener, 77, and 83-year-old Sheila Jackson, died after the blaze at their home in South John Street, St Helens, Merseyside, on 15 July.

A 33-year-old man from Aigburth is being held on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and possession of cannabis and will be questioned by police. A woman, 36, from Everton has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit arson has been conditionally bailed.

A total of seven people have now been arrested as part of what police have described as a "fast-moving investigation".

"Progress is being made but I would also like to take this opportunity to ask for anyone who holds information to come forward if you haven't yet done so," Det Chief Ins Steve McGrath of Merseyside Police said.

"Please do not assume that we already know something which could be a vital piece of the jigsaw. Let us make that assessment and take the appropriate action."

Lee Owens, 46, of no fixed address, has been charged with two counts of murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

He has been remanded into custody and will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 28 November.

A 31-year-old man from St Helens, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, remains on conditional bail.

A 48-year-old woman of no fixed abode, a 53-year-old woman from Anfield, and a 45-year-man from Liverpool, who were arrested on suspicion on conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit arson, have been given conditional bail.