The family of a woman who died after a car was firebombed at the house next door have paid a heartbreaking tribute to her.
Margo Rugen suffered a serious head injury while trying to lead her frail husband from their home on Highgate Road in Maghull in the early hours of Monday morning.
Emergency services were called to the street after a Land Rover Discovery, parked in the driveway next door to Mr and Mrs Rugen's home, was set alight with industrial fireworks .
Due to concerns, the elderly couple were asked to leave their home but as Margo helped her husband, the 86-year-old fell and later tragically died .
In a stunning statement, Margo's family slammed those who caused the fire which led to her death and paid tribute to her incredible character.
They said: "Margo’s family are heartbroken over this sudden and needless loss.
"Because of the callous and criminal actions of others, we have lost not only a dear wife, but a mum, a nan, and a great grandmother.
"Margo, even at 86, was a very positive and focused human being with a strong character and a great sense of humour.
"Throughout her life she followed her passions of sailing in her earlier years and more recently hand crafting items for friends and family and pursuing her greatest love, dancing.
"She has built her own sailing dinghy with the help of a friend and will be remembered for running dance sessions in Crosby.
"She was completely dedicated to the care of her beloved husband George as he has become more and more frail and in need of physical support.
"Even on that tragic night, she died because of the injuries she sustained trying to protect him from danger.
"We are so immensely grateful for the neighbours who helped her on that night, to the wonderful medical staff at Aintree Hospital and to Sefton Police for their support in our time of great sadness. Thank you."
The family is requesting that their privacy is respected at this time.
