Do the right thing and name killer

Police plea to person shielding Nellie’s attacker THE detective investigator in the hunt for Nellie Geraghty’s killer last night went on the BBC’s “Crimewatch” programme to plead with locals to provide information.

Det-Chief Insp Joanne Rawlinson said she believed the person responsible for her death may well have confided in someone — and urged that person to do the right thing and come forward.

She also showed a re-created image of a mountain bike seen on CCTV in the area and police are trying to trace the owner.

The distinctive bike has a black frame and it is believed the wheel spokes have been spray-painted a bright pink or orange.

Nellie, a 79-year-old great-grandmother, died fighting to keep hold of the handbag that contained the ashes of her late husband, Frank, as she was attacked in a ginnel near her home in Shaw in November.

The tragic tale of her death was top story on the programme, and police later confirming that they had received calls about the bike. More details about the attack also emerged, with Det Chief Insp Rawlinson explaining how the pensioner suffered injuries to the back of her head and forehead as well as bruising on the shoulder with which she was carrying the bag.

Nellie’s sister Maureen and daughter Christine contributed to the programme, with Maureen explaining how Frank was Nellie’s life, adding: “That’s why she fought for him — that’s why she is not with us.”

Det-Chief Insp Rawlinson repeated her appeal for potential witnesses to come forward. They include a man and child in the garden of a house in Elizabeth Grove and two youths seen heading from the area towards the Avenue.

A generous local has also offered a £5,000 reward for anyone with information that leads to the recovery of her handbag or conviction of her killer.

Those with information should call: 0161-856-5448.