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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Ellen Kirwin

Home where Joseph Holland found dead set on fire hours before his funeral

The house were Joseph Holland was found dead has been set on the fire just hours before his funeral.

The home, which has been targeted, is the same house where Joseph Holland was stabbed to death last month. Floral tributes can still be seen to the 25-year-old on a patch of grass, just outside the cordon.

Mr Holland died after being stabbed in the chest on June 8 at the property behind the police tape. The 25-year-old was found dead by police at the scene after they were called to reports for concern for safety.

READ MORE: Live updates as police cordon off house after suspected fire

Police said two adults and two children were in the house at the time it was set on fire, in the early hours of the morning. It is believed two men approached the ground floor window of the house and used a brick to smash it before pouring accelerant inside and setting it alight.

One man was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. The suspects are believed to have left on bikes in the direction of Liverpool Road.

James Preston, 21, has been charged with the murder of Mr Holland. Three men from Huyton, aged 28, 25 and 36, who were arrested on suspicion of murder have since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

In a short tribute, the family said: "No words could ever describe the loss of our beautiful son, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was loved by everybody."

Today is the funeral of the "much-loved" man. Details of Mr Holland's funeral have been shared on behalf of the family.

The listing, posted by Debbie Bennett Funeral Directors, reads: "A much-loved son of David and Brenda, a loving brother of Jenna, a dearly-loved uncle to Zachary and Jackson, a very special grandson, Joe will be sadly missed by all his family and many friends."

His funeral service will take place at GreenAcres in Rainford at 1.30pm on July 5, 2023. Mr Holland's funeral will be streamed live for those who cannot attend. You can find details on how to watch here.

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