Three more arrested over couple's fire deaths

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

Three more people have been arrested in connection with the suspected murder of an elderly couple who died following 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.

Merseyside Police said a 45-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman, both from Liverpool, and another woman, 48, of no fixed address, had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit arson.

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

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

Police said an accelerant was used to start the fire at the property, where the couple had lived for 15 years.

The pair were rescued and taken to hospital after emergency services were called at 00.40 BST.

Mr Greener died on Wednesday night while Ms Jackson died on Thursday morning.

Det Supt Rachel Wilson said: "The investigation is progressing but I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that we are still gathering all information that might assist us."