Key Forensic Services scientists will feature prominently in a gripping new documentary series that starts on BBC Two on Monday night (February 24).

Murder 24/7 follows Essex Police’s Major Crime team as they investigate three murder cases, right from the moment the crimes occurred through to arrest and conclusion in court.

The hard-hitting show takes viewers behind the scenes to the heart of a police investigation, showing an unprecedented level of detail as various teams of experts, including those from KFS, combine to work together to solve the crime.

Detectives, senior investigating officers, manhunt specialists, blood spatter analysts, dog handlers, interviewing officers, crime scene managers, phone analysts and lawyers are just some of the specialists featured as Murder 24/7 follows each case in real time, spanning five episodes across two weeks.

KFS experts Jess Adby and Amanda Reed are involved from the outset at the crime scene, as no stone is left unturned to catch the killer.

Jess, who is part of our team in Norwich, is seen attending crime scenes during the series, helping detectives piece together the clues in each case to help lead them to the suspects, while KFS biologist Amanda is filmed in full personal protective equipment (PPE) as she undertakes crucial work at one scene.

Proud and privileged to work with Essex Police

Everyone at KFS is proud of the contributions made from our experts in these high-profile murder cases, and of our close working relationship with Essex Police.

“This documentary illustrates the huge value that forensic experts contribute to the criminal justice system,” said KFS CEO Nigel Withey.

“Piecing together the complex jigsaw of evidence demands the very highest level of collaboration and trust across multiple agencies, and we are very proud and privileged to have the opportunity of working with our world-class policing colleagues at Essex.”

KFS account manager Craig Bennett added: “Murder 24/7 provides a valuable insight into the considerable professionalism, effort and teamwork associated with major investigations.

“I’m incredibly proud of the KFS contribution and our close relationship with Essex Police.” 

Murder 24/7 is the first time Essex Police has opened its doors to the public, allowing unprecedented access to filmmakers from production company Expectation Factual.

Chief Constable BJ Harrington said: “We know our detectives here in Essex are among the finest in the world and that’s why we took the opportunity to showcase just some of their work through this BBC documentary.

Shining a light on forensic investigators

“What this programme really captures is that while our detectives will lead the investigation and the hunt for suspects, it really is a force-wide effort to support victims, solve crime, hunt offenders and bring them to justice.

“Murder 24/7 really shows that when these terrible crimes happen, our whole force comes together to catch a killer.”

 Ruth Kelly, executive producer at Expectation Factual, said: “We wanted to produce a police documentary series with a unique approach, rooted in what really happens when someone is murdered.

“We hope the series shines a light on the extraordinary team of detectives, forensic investigators and specialists who come together, working round the clock, to solve murder cases.”

The programme will follow detectives as they investigate three separate murders which happened in 2018 and 2019, including the fatal stabbing of 49-year-old Carl Hopkins and the attempted murder of his friend in Colchester, which took place on February 10, 2019; the murder of 36-year-old Courtney Valentine-Brown, who was stabbed to death in Southend-on-Sea on February 21, 2019; and the killing of June Knight, who was thrown from her care home balcony in Southend on December 10, 2018.

The five hour-long episodes of Murder 24/7 will air on BBC Two at 9pm on Monday, February 24; Tuesday, February 25, Wednesday, February 26; Monday, March 2; and Tuesday, March 3. The series will also feature on BBC iPlayer.