Police Investigating Murder Of Patient 75 Launch Fresh Appeal
Detectives investigating the murder of a stroke patient who died after being sexually assaulted as she lay in hospital bed have issued a fresh appeal for information in the hunt for her killer.
Valerie Kneale, 75, died on the stroke unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on November 16, 2018.
Lancashire Police launched a murder investigation after a post-mortem examination found she had died from a haemorrhage caused by a non-medical related internal injury.
Officers have yet to identify her killer and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Stroke patient Valerie Kneale, https://www.cruisewhat.com/tocaya-organica-nutritional-information/ 75, (pictured), died from a haemorrhage caused by a non-medical related internal injury
Last year an inquest heard that Mrs Kneale died after being sexually assaulted' as she lay ill in a hospital bed.
The 75-year-old had been admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital following a stroke and had later broken her leg when falling from a chair.
Her condition deteriorated and she died four days later.
A male hospital worker was arrested on suspicion of murder, rape and sexual assault and was been bailed pending further inquiries.
Opening the inquest in May last year, coroner for Blackpool and Fylde Alan Wilson said: 'Concerns had been raised about a potential injury around the genital area.
'This prompted a police investigation by Lancashire Constabulary.'
The autopsy revealed that although Mrs Kneale did have a significant stroke, the pathologist did not think it was the cause of death.
Mr Wilson said: 'She said that was due to an internal and external haemorrhage which was in turn due to a vaginal laceration or tear.'
The pathologists' report believed it was caused by a sexual assault after she was admitted to hospital. Mrs Kneale died on November 16, 2018.
Police today said that sexual assault is 'forming part of the investigation', with the force remaining 'open-minded around how it happened'.
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Police were made aware of allegations of mistreatment and neglect on Blackpool Victoria Hospital's stroke unit, in Lancashire, later that month.
Several post mortems were carried on several patients, including Mrs Kneale.
A murder inquiry was launched and information relating to other allegations of serious sexual assaults against two patients were received, in addition to the sexual assault of a health care professional working on the stroke unit.
The worker arrested was suspended by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Mr Wilson adjourned the hearing while police continue investigations.
Detective Chief Inspector Jill Johnston said: 'Valerie's 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.
'For four years Valerie's family have been left devastated by her death, they want and deserve justice.
Valerie Kneale had been admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital after suffering a stroke
'We know someone will have information key to our investigation. We know someone can help us the find the person responsible.
'I would urge that person to come forward to help us solve this terrible crime.
'Our investigation has been lengthy. We have been conducting extensive enquiries, including gathering witness statements, forensic examinations and medical reviews, all of which take time to complete in a methodical and structured manner.
'Our priority and the priority of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is to ensure the safety of patients.
'We continue to support Valerie's family and they are being kept fully updated by a specially trained officer.
'Again I ask anyone with information to come forward — any new material received at this stage of the investigation could be the crucial breakthrough we need.'
Anyone with information can contact police o
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