A “lovely” elderly couple are in a critical condition following a suspected arson attack that occurred in St Helens, Merseyside, shortly after midnight
In the early hours of Tuesday, July 15, emergency services raced to South John Street, where they rescued two pensioners from a blazing house fire. Police described the victims as a woman in her 80s and a man in his 70s.
Both individuals were hospitalised and are currently fighting for their lives in a critical condition. Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the fire, which is currently thought to have been intentional.
This horrifying attack on two “quiet” elderly people comes just weeks after a Liverpool Crown Court jury found a 42-year-old banned driver guilty of death by dangerous driving after he had smashed into 81-year-old John Newton with his van and fled the scene. Local residents shared their shock with the ECHO on the morning of July 16, after many witnessed the frantic efforts to pull the two pensioners from their St Helens home.
Neighbour Gavin Thelwell recounted the harrowing scene, saying: “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.”
Another neighbour has spoken out, saying: “They were just a really quiet couple who wouldn’t do anything to anyone. They were just surviving with each other in that house. They’ve done nothing wrong; it’s just sad. They are two lovely people who don’t deserve this.”
The couple are now fighting for their lives in an intensive care unit, while their pet dog was also rescued from the premises.
Merseyside Police statement
Detective Inspector Steve Byrom released a statement: “This incident is being treated as suspicious and inquiries are ongoing. If you live on or near to South John Street, please check any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage and we will be in the area to speak to residents.
“Two residents of this home are in a critical condition, and I am sure the community will be appalled at what has happened. Do the right thing and come forward if you hold any information, no matter how small.
“An investigation is ongoing to establish how the fire began, and we are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch as a matter of urgency.”
Superintendent Chris Ruane also commented on the gravity of the situation: “I understand the impact that such a shocking incident will have on the community.
“Please be assured that this incident is being taken extremely seriously, and there will be more officers in the area to offer reassurance to residents.
“We are determined to get answers to what happened. In the meantime, feel free to speak to officers in the area if you have any concerns.”
Anyone with information should get in touch with the Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. Information can also be reported through their website or by calling 101 and quoting incident reference 25000580909.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers.
