Man released on bail after double murder arrest

Grandparents Peter Eric Greener and Sheila Jackson had been together for 30 years, police said

A man arrested on suspicion of the murder of an elderly couple in a fire at their home has been released on bail.

The 31-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on Sunday in connection with the death of Sheila Jackson, 83, and her partner Peter Greener, 77.

The suspect has been released on conditional bail pending further investigation, Merseyside Police said.

The force launched a murder inquiry after the fire at the house on South John Street, St Helens, in the early hours of Tuesday 15 July.

The pair were initially rescued from the house and taken to hospital but later died.

Merseyside Police said an accelerant was used to start the fire.

The couple were initially rescued and taken to hospital but both later died

Supt Rachel Wilson said the couple had been together for 30 years and had adult children as well as grandchildren.

Police have urged people not to speculate about the incident or post anything on social media that could jeopardise the investigation.

They have asked anyone with information about the incident to cone forward.