Valerie Kneale dies in fatal Blackpool hospital assault

Valerie Kneale dies in fatal Blackpool hospital assault

Fatal Blackpool hospital assault death of Valerie Kneale

Valerie Kneale, a 75-year-old stroke patient, was killed while receiving care at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in November 2018, and her case remains unsolved nearly seven years later.

The Blackpool coroner, Alan Wilson, is now preparing to examine the circumstances surrounding her death during a scheduled pre-inquest review hearing set for July 4.

Kneale was found to have suffered a fatal haemorrhage caused by an internal injury that was not related to any medical procedure, leading to the immediate launch of a murder investigation.

Despite extensive efforts by Lancashire Police, which included staff interviews, medical assessments, and forensic analysis, no one has been charged in connection with her death. A man arrested during the investigation was later released without being charged.

Authorities also collaborated with BBC Crimewatch in hopes of uncovering new leads, airing a segment that included a reconstruction of the events and interviews with Kneale’s family, who continue to seek justice.

Police have expressed that there are likely individuals who possess critical information, and they are urging anyone with knowledge — no matter how minor it may seem — to come forward.

Officials emphasized the brutal nature of the assault, stating that Kneale was in a vulnerable state undergoing essential treatment when she was subjected to a horrific attack that ultimately took her life.