£20,000 reward offered to help catch killer of 75-year-old who died after attack in hospital

A reward of £20,000 is being offered to help catch the killer of a woman who died after she was attacked while she was a patient in a Blackpool hospital.

Valerie Kneale, 75, died in the stroke unit of Victoria Hospital on 16 November 2018

A murder investigation by Lancashire Police was launched after a post-mortem examination found that she had died from a haemorrhage caused by a non-medical-related internal injury.

In March 2021, a healthcare professional was arrested on suspicion of murder, rape and sexual assault, but was not charged.

More than four years after her death, the appeal by charity Crimestoppers aims to encourage anyone with information that may lead to the conviction of Ms Kneale’s killer to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Jill Johnston said the force remains “fully committed” to the investigation and hopes that the monetary reward will help “provide that key piece of information to help unlock the case”.

“For four years, Valerie’s family have been left devastated by her death – they want and deserve justice,” she said.

“Her murder is truly tragic and heart-breaking. She was a patient in the hospital, receiving medical treatment when she was subjected to a horrific attack which ultimately led to her death.”

DCI Johnston added: “We know someone has had this on their conscience for more than four years now. Do the right thing. Come forward and speak to police – help us to solve this terrible crime.”

Last year police said information related to other allegations of serious sexual assaults against two patients had also been received, as well as the sexual assault of a healthcare professional working on the stroke unit.

They continue to work with the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to “ensure the safety” of patients.

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