Two re-arrested over couple's house fire deaths

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

Two people have been re-arrested as part of a murder investigation into the deaths of an elderly couple in a house fire on Merseyside.

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

A 34-year-old man from Aigburth and a 37-year-old woman from Everton have both been arrested and are being questioned on suspicion of murder, conspiracy to murder, arson and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

The man was previously arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and possession of cannabis and the woman was previously arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit arson.

'Don't assume'

Police said it brings the total number of arrests in the case to 10.

In July police charged 46-year-old Lee Owens, of no fixed address, with two counts of murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday 28 November.

Det Chief Insp Steve McGrath said the investigation was continuing and he urged anyone with information to contact police.

"We will thoroughly assess everything that comes in and take the appropriate action so do not assume what you know is already known by us," he said.

"Murder investigations can be complex and a small piece of the picture could be vital."