Elderly woman dies after muggers steal handbag with husband's ashes

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A 79-year woman has died after muggers stole the handbag that contained her husband's ashes. Nellie Geraghty died 36 hours after being left critically ill with head injuries during the incident in Oldham, Greater Manchester, on Thursday.

Mrs Geraghty was found in an alleyway near her home in Shaw just before noon, and admitted to Royal Oldham Hospital. Her handbag, which carried a blue velvet bag containing the ashes of her husband, who died 17 years ago, was missing. The pensioner still held the strap in her hand.

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