Valerie Kneale: Reward to catch Blackpool Victoria Hospital killer

Valerie Kneale died on the stroke unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on 16 November 2018

A £20,000 reward is being offered to catch the killer of a woman who died in a hospital's stroke unit while receiving medical treatment.

Valerie Kneale, 75, died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on 16 November 2018.

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

Lancashire Police said a healthcare worker was previously arrested before being released without charge.

Ms Kneale's niece, Lisa Jaffier, described her as "the hub of the family" who had "a really lovely skill of making you feel so special".

"We just expected the post-mortem [examination] to say she died of a stroke," she said.

"Someone did that to a lovely person when she was helpless, at her most vulnerable, where she couldn't shout out, she couldn't defend herself."

The charity Crimestoppers is now offering up to £20,000 for anonymous information that leads to the conviction of Ms Kneale's murderer.

Regional manager for the North West, Gary Murray, 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."