'Lovely' pensioner couple in ICU after horror early hours arson attack

A "lovely" elderly couple are currently battling for their lives following a suspected arson attack. on their home in Merseyside in the early hours of Tuesday.

At around 12.40am, July 15, emergency crews rushed to South John Street in St Helens, where they rescued two pensioners from a burning house. After forcing their way inside, they found a man in his 70s and a woman in her 80s.

Both were transported to hospital and remain in critical condition. An investigation has been launched by Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to determine the origins of the fire, which is thought to have been intentionally set.

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This attack on two elderly people came a week after a Liverpool Crown Court jury found a man guilty of murdering his 73-year-old father at his home in Southport. Neighbours of the St Helens arson attack shared their accounts with the ECHO on the morning of July 16, with one detailing how the burning front door hindered the rescue efforts.

Local resident Gavin Thelwell, who lives in the same row of terraced homes as the stricken couple, recounted: "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 added: "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 resident remarked: "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 presently in intensive care, with their pet also seen being rescued from the property.

Merseyside Police's statement

Detective Inspector Steve Byrom stated: "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, who oversees local policing in St Helens, commented: "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 is urged to get in touch with the Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or on Facebook at 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre'. Information can also be reported through their website or by calling 101 and quoting incident reference 25000580909.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or through their website here: Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers.