Overview

• Lee Owens, 46, has had his first court photograph released after being charged with murder and arson in the July 15 blaze on South John Street in St Helens.
• He faces two counts of murder and two counts of arson with intent to endanger life and has been remanded into custody by Liverpool Magistrates’ Court.
• The case was transferred to Liverpool Crown Court where Owens is due to appear on July 29.
• A 31-year-old man initially arrested on suspicion of murder remains on conditional bail while inquiries continue.
• Merseyside Police and Fire and Rescue Service investigators confirmed that an accelerant was used to start the fire and are urging the public to share any relevant surveillance or dashcam recordings.