Nellie Geraghty, 79, Dies After Muggers Steal Her Husband's Ashes

Nellie Geraghty, 79, Dies After Muggers Steal Her Husband's Ashes
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A widow has died after muggers stole her handbag which contained her husband's ashes.

Nellie Geraghty, 79, was left critically ill after she suffered serious head injuries as she desperately tried to cling on to the bag during the incident in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Police said she died in Royal Oldham Hospital.

Two youths have now been arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Mrs Geraghty was found collapsed in an alleyway near her home in Shaw just before noon on Thursday.

Inside her handbag was a blue velvet bag containing the ashes of her husband - who died 17 years ago - in a small box, and also £200 in cash.

The handbag was missing at the scene but the strap was still in the pensioner's hand.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "The elderly woman who was found unconscious in Shaw has now died.

"Two boys, aged 14 and 17, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in police custody.