Killer arsonist still on the run after couple killed in fire

The killer arsonist that claimed the lives of a couple 20 years ago is yet to face justice as police continue to appeal for information. Hugh and Elizabeth Higgins were at home with their two sons on Martland Road, Gateacre, when a fire broke out in the early hours of November 18, 2004.

The fire, initially believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, was found to be started deliberately following several examinations. It was started when a newspaper recycling bin at the front of the house was deliberately set alight before spreading to the house.

Hugh and Elizabeth's sons managed to flee the house but the two pensioners were rescued by firefighters. All four of them were rushed to hospital before Hugh, 80, died in hospital on Sunday, November 21, 2004. Nine days later, Elizabeth, known locally as Lily, died in hospital aged 77 from her injuries.

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Following the news that the couple had died, a local councillor claimed people in the area had been struggling with arson troubles for several months. Liberal Democrat councillor Tom Marshall, 55, who lived on Martland Road at the time of the arson attack, said in November 2004: "Before this, a house two doors down from the Higgins's was hit.

"The tenant had been away and young lads broke in and set fire to it. I know from people how much of a problem cars being burnt out and wheelie bin fires can be. Some residents have organised night watches, but you cannot watch the streets all the time. These stupid arson attacks must stop."

Yet two decades on no one has been held accountable for the deaths that rocked the community. Merseyside Police continue to work to find the person responsible for starting the fire.

Kevin Clague, head of Merseyside Police's Serious Crime Review Unit, said: “Even though 20 years have passed since the tragic deaths of Mr and Mrs Higgins it does not mean our enquiries have ended. In the years since we have continued to review the case to look for any new evidence or lines of enquiry to allow us to identify the person or people responsible and bring them to justice.

“We know that over time people and circumstances change and I would appeal to anyone who has any knowledge of what happened on that night who hasn’t come forward to please speak up. Any bit of information could be vital to our enquiries and allow the family of Mr and Mrs Higgins to finally get the answers they deserve.”

Anyone with information is urged to DM @MerPolCC or call 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.