Second man arrested on suspicion of murder after St Helens house fire
Detectives say the arrest marks ‘important progress’ in the double murder investigation
Last updated 23rd Jul 2025
Detectives investigating the fatal house fire that killed an elderly couple in St Helens have arrested a second man on suspicion of murder.
Eric Greener, 77, and his partner Sheila Jackson, 83, died following an arson attack at their home on South John Street in St Helens on Tuesday 15th July.
A 46-year-old man from Fazakerley has now been arrested and taken into custody for questioning, Merseyside Police confirmed.
It follows the arrest of a 31-year-old man from St Helens on Sunday 20th July. He was questioned on suspicion of murder and conditionally bailed while investigations continue.
'Important progress is being made'
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: “I know the community in St Helens is still feeling the shock and sadness of Eric and Sheila’s tragic deaths.
“Our investigation team have been carrying out extensive enquiries into the incident and this second arrest demonstrates important progress is being made.
“We continue to ask the public to come forward with information, either directly to Merseyside Police or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
“If you have yet to come forward and recall seeing or hearing anything suspicious on or around South John Street around the time of the incident, please do not assume what you know has already been reported to us.
“Tell us what you know and we will assess all information as we build a full picture of what happened and ultimately seek to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The attack on the home, where the couple had lived for 15 years, was described as "absolutely sickening" by police.
Anyone with information or footage that may help with the investigation is urged to visit the dedicated public portal.
Alternatively, you can contact Merseyside Police via X @MerPolCC, on Facebook at ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’, or by visiting the Merseyside Police website and quoting incident reference 25000580909.
You can also call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their website.