Two people arrested 31 years after mysterious murder of mother in England

Penketh, Warrington
© Colin McPherson / Getty Images
Penketh, Warrington
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Two people from Warrington have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a mother over 30 years ago.

42-year-old Veronica Anderson, known as Vera, was a divorced mother of two. She was found dead in her car in Penketh, Warrington, on August 25, 1991. A single blood-stained ‘Minette’ cotton glove and a length of sash cord were found at the crime scene but a murder weapon was never found.

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A mysterious phone call

Just after 10 pm on August 24th, 1991, Vera took a phone call at her home which prompted her to leave the house in a hurry. She left Hadfield Close, Widnes at about 8.10 pm, driving to her neighbour's house.

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She asked her neighbour to babysit her seven-year-old son, saying she ‘had an appointment’ and would be back in ten minutes. Five hours later, shortly after 3 am, Vera was found dead in her Cortina car a mile away.

​A murder investigation was consequently launched by Cheshire Constabulary. However, despite exhaustive enquiries over the years, and appeals offering a reward for information, her murder remained unsolved.

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Widnes, Warrington Nathan Stirk / Getty Images

On the 30th anniversary of her death last year, detectives made a fresh appeal to the public for help. Detective Inspector Adam Waller said at the time:

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Vera’s family have been left devastated by her death and have had to live with what happened since 1991. The family have never received closure from Vera’s death and I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward.
Someone must know what happened that day and I would appeal to them to get in touch. We appreciate that 30 years is a long time ago but the smallest detail may help us in bringing justice for Vera and her family.
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After 31 years, an arrest

The person who called her home has never been identified. But on Wednesday, a Cheshire Police spokesperson said:

Detectives investigating the murder of Vera Anderson which took place on 24 August 1991 in Penketh, Warrington have arrested two people.
A 70-year-old man from Widnes and a 61-year-old woman from Warrington have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They both remain in custody being questioned by detectives.
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There has been speculation the murder could possibly be linked to two others thought to have been committed by the same man, who was dubbed ‘The East Lancs Ripper.’

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