The deadly blaze was started in the early hours
13:24, 17 Jul 2025Updated 13:25, 17 Jul 2025
Two people have sadly died and a murder investigation is underway following an arson attack in St Helens on Tuesday 15 July
Accelerant was used to start a house fire which killed a couple, police announced. Peter Eric Greener, 77, and partner Sheila Jackson, 83, were at home in the early hours of Tuesday, July 15, when the blaze was set.
The fire spread before emergency services arrived around 12.40am, with neighbours explaining how firefighters struggled to gain access after the door was set alight. The couple were rescued and rushed to hospital with serious injuries
Police announced Mr Greener died on Wednesday, July 16, night before Ms Jackson died on this morning, July 17. A joint investigation between Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service was quickly launched and it has found that an accelerant was used to start the fire maliciously. It’s believed this was carried out by a third party.
Police continue to appeal for people to come forward with information, particularly those in the local area who recall seeing or hearing anything suspicious around the time of the incident.
Neighbours spoke to the ECHO yesterday morning, July 16, with one explaining the door was ablaze, which prevented fire crews from initially rescuing the couple.
Gavin Thelwell, who lives on the same block of terraced houses as the couple, said: “When I came out of my house, there were fire engines that had already arrived, but the front door was on fire, which was stopping the firefighters from getting inside.
“They had to put that out before they managed to get them out of the house.”
He continued: “I feel so sorry for them; they’re good people. I chat with them all the time. He’s usually walking down with his walking frame to go to the pub, and he’ll stop halfway by the street sign to have a break.
“They were always really nice; I just can’t believe this has happened. It’s so bad.”
An investigation has found accelerant was used to start the fire
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.”
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 their website or call 101 quoting incident reference 25000580909.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.