The gritty and unflinching true crime documentary series Police: Suspect No.1 has made a shocking return to Channel 5 for its fifth season, with the latest episode being branded a "savage" and "brutal watch" that left audiences feeling physically sick.
A Harrowing Return to Our Screens
The popular series, which first aired in 2020 and is a favourite for fans of shows like 24 Hours in Police Custody, returned to screens on Monday, January 12 at 9pm. The programme immerses viewers in the high-pressure world of police investigations, following detectives in real time as they work on cases that devastate local communities.
The brand new episode wasted no time in plunging viewers into a state of alarm. It documented the Gwent Police force receiving a terrifying phone call from a frightened woman reporting that someone was attempting to break into her home while she and her children were inside.
Shocking Bodycam Footage Stuns Audiences
Although the alleged attacker fled upon the arrival of officers, he was later located on foot by police. What followed, captured on chilling body-worn camera footage, was a violent and brutal assault on an officer as he attempted to detain the suspect, who grew increasingly aggressive.
This graphic footage has become the major talking point of the new season's launch. Fans took to social media platform TikTok to express their shock and disgust, with many highlighting the visceral impact of the scene.
Viewer Reaction: 'Savage' and 'Awful'
The reaction from viewers has been one of uniform shock. One fan commented on the footage, stating: "The body work camera footage was savage!!! The blood afterwards down the wall." Another simply wrote: "It was so shocking."
Further responses echoed this sentiment, with viewers describing the episode as "awful" and admitting it "made me feel sick." One viewer summarised the suspect's actions by calling him an "absolute animal," a description others agreed with.
For those who missed the intense premiere, the episode is available to stream on Channel 5's online platform. The series continues with another episode scheduled for Monday, January 19 at 9pm on Channel 5, promising more raw and unfiltered access to the front lines of British policing.
