Second murder arrest after house fire deaths

Peter Greener, 77, and his partner Sheila Jackson, 83, died in hospital

A second man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering an elderly couple who died following a fire at their home.

Grandparents Peter Greener, 77, who is known as Eric, and his partner Sheila Jackson, 83, died in hospital after the blaze at their home on South John Street, St Helens, on 15 July, Merseyside Police said.

The force said an "accelerant" was used to start the fire.

A 46-year-old man from Fazakerley, Liverpool, was held. The first arrested man, a 31-year-old from St Helens, has been released on bail.

Det Supt Rachel Wilson said the community was "still feeling the shock and sadness" of the deaths.

"Our investigation team have been carrying out extensive enquiries and this second arrest demonstrates important progress is being made," she said.

"We continue to ask the public to come forward with information, either directly to Merseyside Police or anonymously via Crimestoppers."