Dark Son on BBC4

This intriguing documentary is now scheduled for next Tuesday (12 Feb) at 9pm on BBC4.

Dark Son: The Hunt for a Serial Killer is a 90-minute look into one of the most appalling and unsolved serial killer cases in British history.

In 1964-65 a kerb-crawler murdered six women in west London. He left their naked bodies in the River Thames or various outdoor secluded spots. Scotland Yard mounted its biggest ever manhunt but could uncover no strong suspects.

The killer stopped his murder campaign in February 1965. The public and media largely forgot the crimes.

As described elsewhere on this blog, the producers at Monster Films have pulled together a team of experts to reinvestigate the case. Child murderer Harold Jones is the prime suspect the police overlooked, the film argues.

Will the Met re-investigate the case?

I’ve heard that senior Scotland Yard figures have seen the film and been in touch with the producers. The Met could sanction a new review of the crimes and Jones’s possible connection.

This could be vital. While the programme’s experts, including criminologists and former detectives, have done a fine job in delving into the past, the police can access old records that are out of bounds.

These include witness statements, and old employment and driving records. It is unlikely there will be conclusive proof condemning Jones, a very devious character, but a powerful circumstantial case could emerge.

Anyone who can’t wait until Tuesday to see the film can catch it on BBC iPlayer until next Monday.