A ST HELENS man has been charged in connection with an arson attack on a house.

Neil Stanton, 41, of Lower Hall Lane, St Helens has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

The charge relates to a fire at a house on Mardale Road in Huyton on Sunday, October 14.

Stanton remains in custody and will appear at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 29.

Police believe the alleged arson attack is linked to a fire at a house on Montreal Street in Leigh on Tuesday, October 16.

A woman in her 60s was left seriously ill after the Leigh house fire attack. She was initially in a critical condition but on Friday police said she was "stable".

Overall, six arrests have been made in connection with the Leigh fire.

Among them, is Andrew Bamford, 37, of no fixed address, who has been charged with attempted murder.

Three men - aged 19, 22 and 34 - who were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the Leigh fire, were also released with no further action taken.

A 22-year-old man who was arrested on Thursday, October 25 on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder has been bailed pending further enquiries.