Two men wanted in connection with Skelmersdale murder after man set alight on doorstep

Three men were were jailed in January 2021 for their roles in the murder of Robert Beattie, 48, who was doused in petrol and set ablaze at his home in September 2019.

Connah Jenkinson, 26, of Liverpool, was found guilty of murder and arson and was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to life with a minimum term of 30 years.

John O'Brien and Joseph McEwan were jailed for 15 and 13 years respectively for manslaughter and arson.

Today (Wednesday, March 10), police launched an appeal to identify two men who were spotted on CCTV leaving the scene of the murder.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "Back in January three men were jailed for their roles in the murder of 48-year-old Robert Beattie, who was doused in petrol and set ablaze at his home in Skelmersdale.

"But we still need to identify two men, seen here on CCTV (circled in yellow) leaving the scene of the murder in September 2019."

If you have any information that may help police, call 101 quoting log number 0277 of January 22, 2021.

You can also use the major incident portal at http://orlo.uk/KndAo.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or via their website crimestoppers-uk.org.

Before the trio attacked "vulnerable victim" Mr Beattie, they had started a deliberate fire at an address on Willow Hey in Skelmersdale late on the evening of 25 September.

The occupants, who had been selling drugs for the rival gang, escaped unhurt.

The men then went to Mr Beattie's flat in Waverley, Skelmersdale, where they forced their way inside and doused him and the property in petrol, police said.

Both he and his flat were then set on fire before the men fled the scene.

Mr Beattie sustained serious injuries and was taken to Whiston Hospital where he died two weeks later.

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