Sue Cook and Nick Ross provide updates on new leads received in Colette Aram murder and stamp theft featured in episode one. Additionally, a number of items had been reunited with their owners following the Aladdin's Cave.
Caroline Osborne murder
Investigating Officer: Alan Stagg, Leicestershire Police
33-year-old dog groomer Caroline Osborne was murdered while out walking her dogs in Leicester on 29th July 1983.
She had been seen walking through Aylestone Meadows. One witness reported seeing a woman being chased by a man through the meadows.
Her body was found the next day, she had been stabbed to death. One of the dogs had guarded her body all night.
Status: Solved
Caroline was murdered by Paul Bostock and he was convicted for her murder in 1986. Bostock was 17 at the time of Caroline Osborne's murder and in 1985, he killed again. Amanda Weedon was stabbed 39 times by Bostock, shortly after he had attended Caroline Osborne's grave.
Bostock was given a life sentence but was paroled in 2020.
Guildford Armed Robber
Investigating Officer: Timothy Blake, Surrey Police
A smartly dressed man, possibly wearing a wig, attempted to rob a Securicor guard collecting takings from Sainsbury's in Guildford. He was foiled in his attempt, fired two shots in the air and escaped on a bicycle.
Status: Solved
Jeffrey Tucker had carried out a series of raids on Securicor vans around the South East over a two year period, totalling £165,000. He wore disguises in his raids and used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle. He was arrested by police following an attempted raid at a Savacentre in Gillingham in April 1985. Tucker was sentenced to 18 years in prison in September 1985.
Kent Evening Post, 27th September 1985
Incident Desk
Hilda Murrell Murder
Appeal for any witnesses in the murder of Hilda Murrell. Ms Murrell had been seen in the car of a man driving erratically down a country lane near her Shropshire home. Murrell was found dead in her home having been stabbed. Police are appealing for anyone who could identify the knife and if anyone had given a lift to a hitch-hiker along that road around the time of Ms Murrell's death.
Status: Solved
Andrew George, 16 at the time of the murder, was sentenced to a minimum 13 years in prison in 2005, where he still remains today.
However, conspiracy theories remain that George was a fall guy and Hilda Murrell was actually murdered by UK Secret Service. Murrell was a prominent anti-nuclear campaigner and her death was also linked with the sinking of the Belgrano (which started the Falklands War).
Hilda Murrell's death has been the subject of many books and documentaries.
Kensington and Notting Hill Rapists
Appeal for any information relating to series of attacks by two men. Specifically, Crimewatch is looking for any information relating to a paper knife used in Notting Hill attacks.
Status: Kensington Rapist - Unsolved. Notting Hill Rapist - Solved
Tony Maclean, the Notting Hill Rapist, was given three life sentences in April 1989 for the rape of three women and 12 years for other offences.
Liverpool Post, 14th April 1989
The Kensington Rapist became inactive after 1983 for unknown reasons and has never been found.
Liverpool Post, 14th April 1989
Barclays Bank Robbery
Two men were filmed on a security camera robbing the Kensington Branch of Barclay's bank in Liverpool on 9th April 1984. A £5000 reward was being offered to catch the thieves.
Status: Unknown
Unable to find any further information on this case.
'The Fox' Rapist Hunt
Investigating Officer: Brian Pickett, Bedfordshire Police
A serial rapist who had been terrorising the Home Counties and was the subject of national attention. He earned his name by breaking into peoples homes and rearranging furniture into a 'Fox's Den'. He would also make himself meals and watch TV while his victims lay bound. Police feared his attacks were becoming more savage and eventually he could kill someone. He was described as having a soft, northern accent.
Status: Solved
Malcolm Fairley, originally from Sunderland, had moved to Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire in 1983. Flecks of paint from the scene of one of his crimes were matched to Fairley's own yellow Austin Allegro. He was arrested in September 1984 and confessed to 80 offences.
In February 1985, Fairley received six life sentences.
He died from a heart attack in prison in May 2024.
Woburn Abbey Silver Raid
Investigating Officer: Brian Pickett, Bedfordshire Police
A gang of thieves broke into Woburn Abbey using ladders and disabled the security cameras. They stole £5 million worth of silver and heirlooms.
Status: Partially solved
The silver was recovered in July 1984 (roughly two weeks after broadcast). It was found by two water workers in a pump substation.
Shropshire Star, 28th July 1984
Last update I could find was from February 1986. Several people were questioned in regards to the theft but no evidence of any charges being brought.
Luton News and Bedfordshire Chronicle, 27th February 1986
The 'After-Hours' Gang
Investigating Officer: John Corrin, Merseyside Police
Two armed-men held 12 people hostage at The Old Stanley Arms in Liverpool for two hours after closing time on 12th February 1984.
The hostages were repeatedly beaten by the two robbers, who made off with £4000 in cash and jewellery.
Status: Solved
Dominic Gallagher and George Kendrick were found guilty of the robbery in June 1985. They had also carried out a similar attack at The Bluebell Hotel in Warrington, 10 days after the raid at The Old Stanley Arms.
Gallagher was sentenced to 16 years in prison, while Kendrick was sentenced to 12 years.
Crimewatch received particular praise in helping to solve the case.
Liverpool Echo, 15th May 1985
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