A pensioner rushed to hospital after a 'firebomb' attack on his home died two weeks later, detectives have confirmed.
Emergency services were called to Dorien Road, Old Swan, at 3.20am on Thursday, September 1, to reports of a fire at a terraced property. Firefighters found the house "well alight" and rescued a man and woman, described by witnesses as an "elderly couple", from inside.
One local resident told the ECHO at the time the fire was caused by a "petrol bomb", although the mechanism used to start the fire has not been confirmed by police. The witness said: "It's terrible that this couple were in bed and this happens. They are an elderly couple."
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Today, Merseyside Police confirmed the man, aged 76, died just over two weeks later on September 16. A spokeswoman for the force said detectives were awaiting the results of a post-mortem exam.
Detective Inspector Katie Coote said: “We have broadened the investigation into his death and his family have been informed. They are being supported by our specially trained liaison officers. Following a joint investigation with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service we have established that the fire was caused deliberately.
"We are appealing for witnesses who were in the area at that time and saw something suspicious to please come forward and help us with the investigation. I would urge those who have not already spoken to police who witnessed what happened or who captured the incident on CCTV or dashcam footage to contact us."
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information can contact Merseyside Police by Direct Message on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’, or by calling 101, quoting reference 22000649658.
You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.
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