Retired detective still determined to track down those responsible

ABROWN hatchback car could hold the key to solving the murder of Widnes woman Veronica Anderson.

Veronica, known as Vera, was found dead with her throat slashed in her blue X-reg Ford Cortina on Tannery Lane in Penketh.

Thirty years on from her murder on Saturday, August 24 1991, her killer has never been found.

Cheshire Police has renewed an appeal for information in an effort to crack a murder case which went cold decades ago, and finally achieve justice for her heartbroken family.

Retired detective sergeant Gary Massey is determined to find those responsible and has returned to the case as a civilian investigator.

One of the key lines of enquiry that has kept his attention when reviewing the case is a brown hatchback car.

The car was seen on the service road where Vera’s body was later found and police are still trying to trace the driver.

Speaking to BBC’s Crimewatch Live, DS Gary Massey said: “At approximately 11.15pm on the night of Vera Anderson’s murder a witness was travelling along Tannery Lane when a car emerged from the service road; the service road where Vera Anderson’s body was later found.

“The car is described as a brown hatchback type vehicle.”

Another key line of enquiry is a phone call received by the mum-oftwo hours before her body was discovered.

The 42-year-old was called at her Widnes home at 10.10pm on Saturday, August 24.

She then left her son with a neighbour because she “had an appointment”, only to be found dead in her blue Ford Cortina, having had her throat slashed, on Tannery Lane five hours later.

Police have never identified the mystery caller.

Other key elements of the investigation that followed include a witness reporting a couple in the Crown and Cushion pub on Warrington Road, Penketh, at around 10.30pm on the night of the killing.

The woman’s description strongly matched that of Veronica.

Detectives have also been unable to connect anyone with a bloodstained glove found at the murder scene, together with a length of cord similar to a window sash cord.

Vera’s daughter Lorraine who was 19 at the time of her mum’s murder, said she feels like she is the one living the life sentence as she continues to fight for justice.

Speaking to BBC’s Crimewatch Live, Lorraine said: “It’s a long time to hold onto something for so long.

“I just don’t understand how anyone could do such a thing.

“It’s never going to be forgotten, I’m still going to have it on my mind, until the killer is caught I don’t think I’m going to be able to rest. I feel like it’s me living the life sentence.”

Following on from the 30th anniversary of Vera’s death, Cheshire Police are appealing for anyone who has any information about the case, to come forward.

Detective Inspector Adam Waller said: “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.”

Anyone with information that they believe will assist the investigation, is asked to report it through the Public Portal.

If you do not want to speak to the police then information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or online via the Crimestoppers website.