The crew manager was the first to get through the door of the burning bungalow. Other firefighters were gearing up on the quiet street outside. Christopher Barber led the way to the bedroom—thick smoke billowed and visibility was low. He dropped to the ground, and after dousing some of the flames with water, he began searching the area with an outstretched arm. Barber made contact with what he initially believed to be a cushion on the ground at the foot of the bed, but then he heard a frail voice whimper, “Help me”...
Read moreTruth Or Dare Confession / Fatal Heysham House Fire
In the early morning hours of May 28th, 2018, as usual, Levens Drive was peaceful. Shortly after 4 AM, however, an early riser in the neighbourhood noticed the distinct aroma of smoke in the air. As she glanced out of her bedroom window, she could see that her neighbour’s bungalow was up in flames, with thick black smoke billowing from the windows. She immediately called the Fire Service and then hurried outside, where she was met by a disturbing sound cutting through the passing smoke. Although the noise was muffled, it sounded like a woman screaming for help…
Read moreHuman Torch Killer / Victor Castigador
The manager of an amusement arcade on the corner of Gerrard Street and Wardour Street in Soho, London, went to open the premises for business — it was just before 8 AM on Monday, April 3rd, 1989. Accompanied by his assistant, when the manager entered the building, he heard faint cries from the basement, and a strong smell of smoke hung in the air. They moved cautiously through the property, heading down some stairs to a locked storeroom. When they opened the door and went inside, they discovered a desperate situation…
Read moreBeatrix Potter Coins Murder
During 2016, the cute and fuzzy creatures of Beatrix Potter’s famous children's books were being added to 50 pence coins to commemorate one hundred and fifty years since the author’s birth. No one was to predict the coins, engraved with classic characters such as Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and Jemima Puddle-Duck, would be the motivating factor behind a brutal murder…
Read moreKen Dodd's Stalker / Ruth Tagg
You may not be aware of who Ken Dodd is. A surreal stand-up, family-friendly Liverpudlian comedian and ventriloquist, Dodd began his career in the 1950s but really had his heyday in the 60s, 70s, and early 80s. He is a distinctive looking man—his prominent features, a head of fluffy wild hair and protruding teeth, were often accompanied by a red, white and blue feather duster, a prop that Dodd called his tickle stick…
Read moreThe Life & Crimes Of The Kray Twins - Part 2
After Reggie’s Kray wedding in 1965, Ronnie’s mental health continued to decline, and he suffered from both bouts of crippling depression and pathological rages. Ronnie would take medication, but over time, its effects wore off. He was paranoid and convinced everyone was out to get him… (Part 2 of 2).
Read moreThe Life & Crimes Of The Kray Twins - Part 1
From their East End beginnings, the Kray twins would go on to run one of the most powerful and feared criminal organisations in London. Their influence wouldn’t only be felt by the nightclubs and casinos of the capital but also some of the highest tiers of government. They were untouchable, and the Krays remain a much-remembered part of sixties culture like the celebrity icons that filled their establishments. This is the story of Reggie and Ronnie Kray… (Part 1 of 2).
Read moreThe Silent Twins / June & Jennifer Gibbons - Part 2
Jennifer and June Gibbons were twins. They would shut themselves away in their bedroom, not coming down for meals, and even when they did, they would barely acknowledge their family. All this changed in the summer of 1981, but their actions would lead them to the gates of Broadmoor psychiatric hospital and a cocktail of antipsychotic medication… (Part 2 of 2).
Read moreThe Silent Twins / June & Jennifer Gibbons - Part 1
From a very early age, identical twins Jennifer and June Gibbons were insular. They created their own secret language and refused to talk to anyone else. Following a conviction for burglary and arson during their late teens, they were both sent to Broadmoor psychiatric hospital. This selective muteness would leave them trapped in the secure facility, on a cocktail of antipsychotic medication, for 11 years. But when they heard that they were being released, they both reached an agreement that one twin should lead a normal life. Tragically, their decision would have fatal consequences… (Part 1 of 2).
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