Black bike clue to Nellie death

CAUGHT on camera . . . the distinctive bike

DETECTIVES hunting Nellie Geraghty’s killer say information about a black bike seen near the scene of her death could prove vital to the investigation.

Police have released CCTV stills of the distinctive bike following last week’s “Crimewatch” appeal on BBC One.

In one image, someone can be seen riding the bike while in another it is propped up near a car.

Leading investigator Det Chief Insp Joanne Rawlinson has said that the new appeal is “significant” and extremely relevant to the line of inquiry police are now undertaking.

The black-framed bike is believed to have full suspension and the wheel rims and spokes appear to have been spray-painted a “pinky-orange”.

CCTV cameras captured the bike in the area of Elizabeth Grove around the time of Nellie’s death, around 11.50am on Thursday, November 24.

DCI Rawlinson said: “Have you had this bike stolen? Have you recently bought this bike or do you know where this bike is now?”

Police want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the rider or bike near the alleyway where Nellie was attacked and suffered fatal head injuries.

Her bag, containing her husband’s ashes, was snatched in the attack and has yet to be recovered.

Police received calls following the “Crimewatch” programme shown last Thursday, some regarding the bike.

But DCI Rawlinson said she is still waiting for a “golden nugget” of information to be offered up.

She added: “I believe that the person responsible for the attack on Nellie may have confided in someone. Is this you?

“If this is you, I would urge you to do the right thing and give me a call.

“Please help to bring some justice and closure for Nellie’s family.”

A £5,000 reward is on offer for information that leads to conviction or recovery of Nellie’s handbag.

Anyone with information is urged to call the major incident team on 0161-856 5448.