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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Ashlie Blakey

Reward of £20k offered in hunt for killer after woman murdered in hospital

A reward of £20,000 is being offered in the hunt for the killer of a woman who died in a 'horrific attack' at a hospital in Lancashire.

Valerie Kneale died on the stroke unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on November 16, 2018. The 75-year-old was receiving treatment as a patient, but police believe she died following an attack on the unit.

A murder probe was launched after a post-mortem revealed that Valerie died from a haemorrhage caused by a 'non-medical related internal injury'. Her killer has not yet been found.

READ MORE: CCTV footage of topless man released after early-hours attack outside bar

As part of the hunt to find them, independent crime charity Crimestoppers is now offering £20,000 for any information given anonymously that leads to the conviction of the murderer. Valerie's children have backed the appeal.

Gary Murray, regional manager for the North West at Crimestoppers, said: "Whilst four years may have passed, our thoughts are very much with Valerie’s family and friends who remain desperate for answers as to exactly what happened. Valerie was a patient in hospital undergoing important medical treatment when she endured an horrific attack which ultimately led to her death.

"We believe there are people who know what happened or have suspicions. Crimestoppers is here to help make all our communities safe by giving people a way to speak up about crime, completely anonymously.

"You can talk to us with no comeback. That means we never ask for or store any of your personal details.

"If you know something, even if you think it’s insignificant, what you know could make a positive difference. Please call our UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week or use our website’s simple and secure anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

"We cannot trace your call or track your IP address and we never ask for or record any personal information. No one will ever know you contacted us."

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