Arson Attack in St Helens: Eighth Individual Apprehended Following Fatal Fire at the Residence of Eric Greener and Sheila Jackson
In the tragic events that unfolded in St Helens, Merseyside, on 15 July 2025, the lives of Eric Greener (77) and Sheila Jackson (83) were cruelly taken after an arson attack on their home on South John Street. The beloved great-grandparents, who had lived together for 15 years, left behind a heartbroken community [1][2][3][4].
Eric Greener passed away on the night of July 16, 2025, while Sheila Jackson, who was rescued and hospitalized following the fire, sadly succumbed to her injuries the following morning, July 17, 2025.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath, leading the investigation, stated that the arrest of a 46-year-old man named Lee Owens, with no fixed address, marked more progress in the case. Owens has been charged with two counts of murder and arson with intent to endanger life [2]. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court in November.
The police have also arrested several other individuals in connection with the case, with at least eight people arrested as of early August 2025 [3][4]. Three men and three women, who were also arrested as part of the investigation, remain on conditional bail subject to further inquiries.
The blaze is believed to have been started with an accelerant, and the investigation has been described as extensive and thorough by officers involved [1][2].
The police are appealing for anyone with information about the case to come forward. Updates will be provided as and when appropriate in the investigation.
In a tribute, the police said that Mr. Greener and Ms. Jackson will be "devastatingly missed but eternally loved by their family, friends, and the community." The family of Mr. Greener and Ms. Jackson described them as "the life and soul of the party."
The article does not mention any new developments in the investigation or the condition of the property after the fire. The police have described the blaze as "absolutely sickening."
[1] [Local News Outlet 1] (Date: July 25, 2025) [2] [Local News Outlet 2] (Date: July 25, 2025) [3] [Local News Outlet 3] (Date: August 5, 2025) [4] [National News Outlet] (Date: August 7, 2025)
- Amidst the ongoing investigation and arrests related to the tragedy in St Helens, Merseyside, and the subsequent war-and-conflicts within the involved parties, the realm of general-news continues to be dominated by the heart-wrenching story of the arson attack that claimed the lives of Eric Greener and Sheila Jackson.
- As the local and national news outlets delve deeper into the war-and-conflicts surrounding the St Helens incident, crime-and-justice issues have also arisen, with the political landscape becoming markedly affected by the polarizing opinions on the appropriate punishment for the accused.
