Houses searched in hunt for ashes

VICTIM: Nellie Geraghty

DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Nellie Geraghty have searched three properties in their hunt for evidence.

Search warrants were executed at two addresses in Shaw and one in Chadderton yesterday morning.

The investigation to find the pensioner’s killers intensified as her family thanked residents across Oldham for their support — as well as for turning out in their droves to scour the streets for the missing ashes of her husband Frank, which were in her stolen handbag. The 79-year-old was found in an alleyway between Elizabeth Grove and Kershaw Street in Shaw shortly before noon on Thursday, November 24. The handbag was missing with part of the strap still in her hand, indicating a violent struggle.

The former cotton mill worker’s family believe she “laid down her life” for her late husband’s ashes she had carried by her side for 17 years. The great-grandmother was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital with serious head injuries but died around midnight the next day.

More than 150 residents joined police in a co-ordinated search for the items stolen from Nellie on Wednesday. The family want to find Frank’s ashes before her funeral to fulfil Nellie’s wish to be cremated with her husband.

In a statement, Nellie’s family said: “We would like to say a heartfelt thank-you to the public, the police and everyone who has supported our family over the past week. The response has been truly overwhelming. Our lives have been devastated by what has happened, but we have taken great comfort from the determination of people to bring those responsible to justice.”

DCI Joanne Rawlinson said: “Nellie was a 79-year-old woman, much loved by family and friends, who was attacked in broad daylight simply for the contents of her handbag. Whoever is responsible left an elderly woman injured, unconscious and alone on the ground.

“I want them to think about what Nellie’s family is going through and then ask themselves how they would feel if this was their mother or grandmother. The support from the public has been astonishing and I am aware there has been talk between residents of conducting further searches.

“I would ask that at this time that they just give us a few days to review all the information. We will then invite residents to once again help us on what will be a more focused and co-ordinated search effort.”

Two boys aged 14 and 17 were arrested on suspicion of murder last week. They have been bailed until January 9, 2012.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161-856 5448 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.