On December 20, 1986, the body of Nigel Bostock, a 31-year-old businessman, was found in the bathroom of his semi-detached bungalow at Abrams Fold, Banks, near Southport. He had been stabbed six times in the chest and strangled. A briefcase containing £700, an expensive Bulova "Spaceview" watch, and two gold rings were stolen from the scene.
Background and investigation
Bostock, described as a 'nice guy' and the proprietor of Wider Fitting Shoe Specialists on Wesley Street, Southport, was known to be gay. At the time, homophobia was widespread, and many gay men were reluctant to speak to police. Detectives faced challenges due to mistrust from the community.
The last confirmed sighting of Bostock alive was on December 19 at 5.20pm when a heating repairman called. Neighbours reported seeing him leave in his red Ford Fiesta at 9.45pm, and next-door neighbours heard a scuffle at 11.30pm. The scene suggested that Bostock knew his killer and let them in voluntarily.
Police appeals and theories
Det Sgt Mike Pacey told the ECHO in May 1989: "Often homosexuals are married and bisexual so they are very reluctant to come forward." DCI Tony Gudgeon noted the lack of public sympathy due to the AIDs scare. Detective Supt John Boyd believed more than one person was involved, stating, "The scene indicated that there was not a twosome, while the scene in the living room indicated there was three or more people present."
In 1993, a theory linked the murder to a serial killer targeting gay men, but the perpetrator, Colin Ireland, was later caught. In 1995, a tip-off about a "gang of perverts" making snuff films was investigated but never substantiated.
Later developments and legacy
The case was reopened in 2003, with Acting Detective Superintendent Cath Thundercloud saying, "In 1986, people were not as open about being gay and may not have come forward. But now attitudes are much more liberal." A BBC Crimewatch appeal in 2004 generated new leads, and a man was arrested in 2005 for failing to provide a DNA sample, but no charges were brought.
In 2012, shop owners Rita Seddon and Sylvia Shuker remembered Bostock fondly. Rita said, "He was a really nice guy, very pleasant to talk to and always happy." Sylvia added, "Nigel really was a lovely guy." Despite a £5,000 reward from his parents, the case remains unsolved. Lancashire Police continue to review the investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
