An eighth suspect has been arrested as part of a murder investigation into the deaths of an elderly couple in a house fire.

Eric Greener, 77, and Sheila Jackson, 83, died after a fire broke out at their home in South John Street, St Helens, Merseyside, on 15 July.

A 48-year-old man, from Everton, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit arson.

Lee Owens, 46, of no fixed address, was previously charged with two counts of murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

He was remanded in custody and scheduled to appear on 28 November at Liverpool Crown Court.

Six other people remain on bail as police inquiries continue.

Det Ch Insp Steve McGrath said: “This further arrest marks more progress in the investigation, and I want to make it clear that all of those arrested remain subject of further enquiries, with strict bail conditions imposed.”

He also urged the public to be “mindful that anything posted or shared on social media could jeopardise these proceedings”.