Man arrested in Rochdale over death of Nellie Geraghty

A man arrested over a robbery in Rochdale town centre is being questioned in connection with the death of 79-year-old Nellie Geraghty.

The man, 37, was arrested in relation to a robbery that occurred on Baillie Street, Rochdale shortly after 4.00pm on Friday (9 December 2011). He was also arrested on suspicion of murder, police have confirmed.

He remains in police custody for questioning.

Mrs Geraghty was found in the alleyway leading from Elizabeth Grove to Kershaw Street in Shaw shortly before midday on Thursday 24 November 2011. She was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital with serious head injuries but she sadly died at about midnight on Friday 25 November 2011.

Her handbag, which contained the ashes of her husband Frank, was missing. The strap was still in Mrs Geraghty's hand. The ashes have still not been recovered.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody for questioning.

“The man was also arrested in relation to a robbery that occurred on Yorkshire Street, Rochdale, shortly after 4pm on Friday 9 December 2011.”