Murder investigation underway in St Helens after two people die following an arson attack
Two elderly people were rescued from the house and taken to hospital but died from their injuries
Last updated 17th Jul 2025
Two pensioners have died following an arson attack in St Helens.
It happened on Tuesday 15th July, Merseyside Police say a murder investigation is underway.
At around 12.40am, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service contacted police to report a house fire was in progress on South John Street.
Emergency services were called out and two elderly people were rescued from inside the home and taken to hospital for treatment.
Peter Eric Greener, aged 77, passed away last night (Wednesday 16th July) and his partner Sheila Jackson, aged 83, died this morning from their injuries.
Merseyside Police say a joint investigation with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has been carried out, and it was determined that an accelerant was used to start the fire maliciously
Police say it’s believed this was carried out by a third party.
Merseyside Police said:
"We are still in the early stages of the investigation and part of our initial inquiries will be to establish why the fire was started at this home.
"We are appealing for anyone with information to come forward, particularly if you live in the area of South John Street and recall seeing or hearing anything suspicious at around the time of the incident."
Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath, who is leading the investigation, said:
“Firstly, I want to express my condolences to the family of Mr Greener and Ms Jackson as this tragic time and we have specialist officers in place to support them.
“This is a truly shocking incident and I’m sure that the community and everyone in Merseyside will be utterly appalled at what has happened.
“It’s difficult to comprehend how someone could deliberately start a fire while two elderly people are inside the home. It’s absolutely sickening, and we are determined to find the person or people responsible.
“An investigation is ongoing as we look to establish exactly why this has happened and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
“If you live in this community and saw or heard something suspicious at any point during this evening, please let us know as a matter of urgency.
“Also, if you have CCTV or a smart doorbell, take the time to review any footage you have to see if you captured anything that could prove to be significant. Even if it appears to be a small detail, it could end up being vital to our inquiries.
“I would also ask that any drivers who have dashcam footage and were in the area of South John Street and Parr Street between midnight and 1am to contact us if you have captured anything significant.”
Merseyside Police said:
"Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website: Report a crime | Merseyside Police or call 101 quoting incident reference 25000580909.
"Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here:Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers. In an emergency always call 999."