Facebook Group Members Help in Search for Oldham Grandma's Killer

30 November 2011, 15:18 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Residents in Shaw have teamed up with Greater Manchester Police in a public search to help find the killer of Nellie Geraghty.

Residents in Shaw have teamed up with Greater Manchester Police in a public search to help find the killer of Nellie Geraghty.

Volunteers organised thanks to a Facebook group set up by two members of the community, will gather in Shaw have been searching designated areas near the scene with police officers.

Nellie Geraghty, 79-years-old, was found in the alleyway leading from Elizabeth Grove to Kershaw Street shortly before midday on Thursday 24 November 2011.

Her handbag, which contained the ashes of her husband Frank, was missing. The strap was still in Nellie's hand.

She was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital with serious head injuries but she sadly died at about midnight on Friday 25 November 2011.

A post-mortem examination concluded that Nellie died from a head injury.

She was seen on Elizabeth Grove walking in the direction of the alleyway at 11.50am. An ambulance was called after Nellie was found at 11.54am.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Rawlinson, senior investigating officer, said: "This is a fantastic idea that came from the good will of the community. The public-spiritedness shown by the organisers is a credit to the area of Shaw.  We know Nellie’s family and the wider community are desperate to find out exactly what happened to her, and we are determined to find both Frank’s ashes and identify those responsible.”

Two boys aged 14 and 17 were arrested on suspicion of murder and have been bailed until 9 January 2012.