Fred West, described as the "epitome of evil", and his wife Rosemary raped, tortured, and murdered an unknown number of people over 20 years. Police eventually discovered the bodies of nine girls at their "house of horror" at 25 Cromwell Street, Gloucester, with three further bodies found elsewhere. Recent excavations at a cafe in Gloucester are searching for another suspected victim, Mary Bastholm.
Ann McFall, 18, is believed to be West's first victim. She worked as a nanny to his children from his first marriage and became his lover while his wife was away. Pregnant with his child, she disappeared in May 1967. Her remains and those of her unborn baby were found in a field at Kempley, Herefordshire.
Catherine Costello, West's first wife, was his second victim. She left West in 1969 amid reports of violence and sexual abuse, and lost contact with family in 1971. Her remains were found at Kempley, near Ann McFall's grave. Her daughter Charmaine, West's stepdaughter, was murdered by Rosemary while Fred was in prison. Her body was buried beneath the kitchen window at the couple's home in Midland Road, Gloucester.
Lynda Gough, 19, vanished in April 1973 after becoming friendly with lodgers at Cromwell Street. Her remains were found in a converted garage pit. Carole Ann Cooper, 15, disappeared in November 1973 after a night out; her body was found in the cellar. Lucy Partington, 21, vanished in December 1973 while waiting for a bus; the Wests are thought to have picked her up.
