£20K reward offered in hunt after OAP sexually assaulted & murdered in hospital

07 March 2023 , 20:59

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Valerie Kneale, 75, died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in 2018 (Image: Liverpool ECHO)

Police investigating the death of a pensioner who died after being sexually assaulted in hospital have offered a reward for anyone who can help solve the crime.

Valerie Kneale, 75, died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on November 16, 2018 from a haemorrhage caused by a non-medical related internal injury.

A post-mortem found the vulnerable mum suffered the injury due to a vaginal tear.

Investigations found it was believed to have been caused by a sex attack committed after she was moved onto the hospital's stroke ward.

She had been admitted to the hospital after a stroke and breaking her leg after falling from a chair.

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Anyone with information has been asked to come forward (MEN MEDIA)

Four years on from Valerie’s death, independent charity Crimestoppers has announced it is offering up to £20,000 in exchange for information leading to the conviction of her killer.

Gary Murray, Crimestoppers regional manager for the North West, 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.

Valerie Kneale, 75, died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in 2018 (Liverpool ECHO)

“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 .

Police are continuing investigations into Valerie's death (MEN MEDIA)

"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.”

At the time a male member of staff was arrested on suspicion of murder, two offences of rape and one offence of sexual assault, but was never charged.

Antony Clements-Thrower