DETECTIVES have made an arrest as part of a murder investigation after a man was doused in accelerant and burned on his doorstep.

Yesterday (Wednesday), Lancashire Police raided four homes as part of their enquiries into the death of 48-year-old Robert Beattie, who was found with serious burns at his home in Waverley, Skelmersdale, on September 26 this year.

Detectives believe he had been doused in some type of accelerant when he answered the door of his property, before being set on fire in a targeted attack.

He was taken to hospital but died on October 10.

Seven men have previously been arrested as part of the investigation, with two having since been released no further action. The other five men remain on police bail pending further enquiries until December 19th.

Yesterday, an eighth man – a 19-year-old from Liverpool – was arrested on suspicion of wounding, arson with intent to endanger life and murder. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

DCI Pauline Stables, of Lancashire Police, said: “We have made a further arrest today, in addition to the previous arrests made in this investigation, following searches in the Walton, Anfield, Aintree and Tuebrook areas of Liverpool.

“However, our enquiries are very much ongoing, and we are asking anybody with information to contact us as soon as possible.

“This was a horrendous attack on a defenceless man and we believe there will be people out there who will know what happened and who was responsible, and we would urge them to search their consciences and come forward.

“Our thoughts remain very much with Mr Beattie’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Anybody with information is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting log number 068 of September 26.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.