A new interactive map has revealed 1,000 unsolved murder cases across the UK, spanning from before World War Two to crimes committed in the last decade. The map was created using Freedom of Information requests submitted to every police force in the country, alongside extensive research from regional newspaper archives. Every case has been the focus of a major police enquiry.
Notable Cold Cases Across the UK
Among the cold cases are murders linked to the brutal war between Ronnie and Reggie Kray's Firm and the south London Richardson "Torture Gang". The seeds of the twins' downfall were sown during a Catford nightclub shootout in 1966 that left one man dead and several others wounded.
No one has ever been convicted of the murder of Dickie Hart, an associate of the Krays. Notorious enforcer "Mad" Frankie Fraser stood trial for murder and was acquitted, while rival boss Eddie Richardson was among those arrested.
Murders in Manchester and Beyond
Elsewhere, Anthony "White Tony" Johnson was shot dead in Manchester in 1991. Two years later, Benji Stanley, a 14-year-old schoolboy, was shot dead inside a Moss Side takeaway in a reported case of mistaken identity.
In Liverpool, a trivial row over a pedal bicycle led to the masked double murder of Paul Rogers and Hussein Obad in Toxteth. In Newcastle, feared Byker hardman Viv Graham was gunned down in front of New Year's revellers.
Cases Beyond Organised Crime
Across the Welsh border, the body of Newport man Courtney Davies was found stabbed and set alight in the Forest of Dean. On Clydeside, the battered remains of Glasgow enforcer Billy Bates were discovered inside an oil drum.
Not every case on the map can be connected to organised crime. Some are seemingly random and motiveless murders, vicious assaults and violent robberies. The interactive map allows users to explore the unsolved murders on their doorstep.
