Son’s plea over 1997 murder mystery

THE son of a young mother from Sheffield with learning difficulties who was brutally murdered 23 years ago has made a heartfelt appeal for information.

Patricia Grainger was 25 when she was attacked and stabbed in the summer of 1997.

A group of children discovered her semi-naked body on August 10, 1997 as they were walking in an area known locally as “The Brook”, which backs on to the rear of houses on Deerlands

Avenue on the Parson Cross estate.

Ms Grainger had been living nearby with her young son Danny and her parents in Parson Cross, but had not been seen by her family for almost a week.

A £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible has been put up by her family and Crimestoppers.

Mr Grainger said his mother had been brutalised “in the most sickening way” and treated as if she were not human.

He said: “Whilst many years have passed, the memory of what happened to my vulnerable mum hasn’t gone.

“She trusted anyone who showed her interest and they abused that trust.

“Someone in the community must know what happened to Pat and has sat on this secret for decades. We are appealing to your better nature.”