£5,000 reward in search for ashes

Nellie Geraghty: bag still not recovered

A £5,000 reward has been offered to anyone who provides information leading to the recovery of Nellie Geraghty’s handbag and her husband’s ashes.

Detectives are also appealing for a number of crucial witnesses who they understand were in the vicinity of the attack in Shaw.

The 79-year-old (pictured) was found unconscious with head injuries, in the alleyway leading from Elizabeth Grove to Kershaw Street shortly before noon on Thursday, November 24, 2011.

She was found by members of the public. An ambulance was called, but she died from her injuries the following night.

Her handbag, which contained the ashes of her husband Frank, is still missing. Shortly after the incident, a member of the public, who does not wish to be named, told police he wanted to help the investigation in the form of a reward. Detectives believe there were a number of witnesses in the area who may have seen the offender shortly before or after he came across Nellie.

Officers are keen to speak to:

* Two youths who were seen heading away from Elizabeth Grove and then went onto The Avenue

* A white man who was with a child believed to be about four years old, in a garden on Victoria Street between 11.50am and 11.55am.

* Two youths crossing Rochdale Road to walk on a dirt track alongside The Star pub at 11.50am.

A green plastic spiral clip-on cord, possibly with a key attached; pink wallet, black purse, chequebook, personal photos, bus pass and her husband Frank’s ashes were in the stolen handbag.

Detective chief Inspector Joanne Rawlinson said: “The man who has kindly agreed to offer a reward was, like many members of the public, shocked by this appalling tragedy.

“He fully understands that the family are desperate for those ashes to be returned, and their recovery would also uncover vital lines of inquiry for our investigation.

“We believe there are people out there who have considered giving information about the handbag but have been hesitant for whatever reason.

“We would like to reassure them that we have a team of highly trained detectives who they can speak to and their information will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

“While many people have spoken to us and helped us piece together an understanding of the events leading to the attack on Nellie, we are also appealing today for a number of vital witnesses to speak to us.

“If you happen to be any of the witnesses described, we need to speak to you. You may not have thought that you could have given information to help this investigation, but what you saw may have been very significant.”

Two boys aged 14 and 17 were arrested on suspicion of murder and are on police bail until February 2012.

Another man, aged 37, is also on bail on suspicion of murder until Tuesday, February 14.

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


ROYTON and Shaw police have praised all those who assisted them in the case of tragic pensioner Nellie Geraghty.
The 79-year-old was mugged for her handbag which contained her late husband’s ashes.

She was found unconscious and with head injuries and later died.

Royton police inspector Karen Taylor said: “The support we received was unbelievable from people in Shaw and from surrounding areas.

“At Nellie’s funeral, Shaw came to a standstill and I have never seen anything like it here before.

“I would like to thank everybody for all of their support.”