The Crime Scene Insiders

28 - Inside the Manchester Arena Bombing Investigation with Bob Gallagher MBE

On 22nd May 2017, a suicide bomber detonated a homemade explosive device in the foyer of Manchester Arena as thousands of concertgoers — many of them children — were leaving an Ariana Grande concert. Twenty-two innocent people were killed and hundreds more were injured. It was the biggest terrorist attack the UK had seen since the 7/7 bombings.This episode is released one week before the 9th anniversary of that night.In this episode, Ange and Dee are joined once again by Bob Gallagher MBE — former Senior Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Manager and forensic and digital investigations lead at Greater Manchester Police's Counter Terrorism Unit. Bob received his MBE for his services to counter terrorism policing, including his role leading the forensic response to the Manchester Arena bombing.Bob takes us under the barrier tape on the investigation — sharing details that go far beyond what the public ever gets to see. He talks us through the painstaking process of disaster victim identification, the recovery and reconstruction of the device, and the forensic pursuit of Hashim Abedi — the bomber's brother — who had fled to Libya.He also reveals the remarkable forensic breakthrough that helped secure the case: a 20-year-old heel prick blood test taken at birth, which provided the DNA evidence needed to identify Hashim and ultimately bring him to justice. Bob was in court at the Old Bailey when the guilty verdict was returned — and he admits he shed a tear.This is a deeply moving, forensically fascinating, and important account of what it truly took to investigate one of the darkest nights in recent British history — told by the man at the heart of it.This episode is dedicated to the 22 lives lost on 22nd May 2017, and to all those whose lives were changed forever that night.If you have been affected by the Manchester Arena attack, or would like to find out more about the memorial or access support, please visit 💙 manchesterattacksupport.org.uk💙 In memory of the 22 lives lost on 22nd May 2017:Saffie-Rose Roussos, 8Nell Jones, 14Sorrell Leczkowski, 14Eilidh MacLeod, 14Megan Hurley, 15Olivia Campbell-Hardy, 15Chloe Rutherford, 17 & Liam Curry, 19Georgina Callander, 18Courtney Boyle, 19 & Philip Tron, 32John Atkinson, 28Martyn Hett, 29Kelly Brewster, 32Angelika Klis, 39 & Marcin Klis, 42Elaine McIver, 43Lisa Lees, 43 & Alison Howe, 45Michelle Kiss, 45Wendy Fawell, 50Jane Tweddle, 51Forever in our hearts. Never forgotten. 💙⚠️ This episode contains detailed descriptions of a terrorist attack, mass casualties, and graphic forensic content. Listener discretion is advised.#TheCrimeSceneInsiders #TrueCrime #TrueCrimeUK #ManchesterArena #ManchesterBombing #BobGallagher #ForensicScience #CounterTerrorism #UnderTheBarrierTape #Podcast #TrueCrimePodcast #GreaterManchesterPolice #Justice #NeverForgotten

27 - From CSI to Counter Terrorism: Bob Gallagher MBE

What does it take to move from attending routine crime scenes to leading the forensic response to some of the most complex cases in the UK?In this episode, Ange and Dee are joined by Bob Gallagher MBE — former Senior Crime Scene Investigator and Crime Scene Manager with Greater Manchester Police. Bob was awarded his MBE for services to forensic and digital investigations, including his role in the forensic response to the Manchester Arena bombing.From the murders committed by Harold Shipman and the extensive exhumations that followed… to the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing… Bob has worked on some of the most significant and complex investigations in modern UK policing.He joined GMP as a CSI in 1997 after a career in the Royal Navy, and went on to progress into senior forensic leadership roles — overseeing major murder investigations and making critical decisions under extreme operational pressure.Bob reflects on managing multiple murder scenes in a single night during what he describes as a "weekend from hell," and what it really feels like to make forensic decisions when everything is happening at once.We also hear about his move into Counter Terrorism, leading GMP's forensic and digital investigations unit — and the moment he received the call offering him that role while still at a live crime scene.This is a rare insight into what it truly means to work at the sharp end of major crime — beyond what the public ever sees, and often beyond what is ever spoken about.⚠️ This episode contains descriptions of graphic crime scenes and violent deaths. Listener discretion is advised.🎙️ Bob will return for a dedicated episode on the Manchester Arena investigation in a fortnight's time.#TheCrimeSceneInsiders #TrueCrime #TrueCrimeUK #BobGallagher #ForensicScience #HaroldShipman #ManchesterArena #CrimeSceneInvestigation #UnderTheBarrierTape #Podcast #TrueCrimePodcast #GreaterManchesterPolice

26 - 50 Years Under the Microscope: Brian Rankin on Forensic Science & the Jill Dando Case

What does nearly 50 years at the frontline of forensic science look like — and what does it tell us about one of Britain's most enduring cold cases?In this episode, Ange and Dee are joined by a very special guest and long-time mentor, Brian Rankin — former senior forensic scientist with the Home Office Forensic Science Service, former President of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, and one of the most respected voices in UK forensic science education and quality standards.Brian takes us on a fascinating journey through his career, from the early days as a forensic chemist in the late 1970s, through the transformative impact of DNA, the miscarriages of justice that forced the profession to raise its standards, and the controversial closure of the Forensic Science Service — a decision he believes the UK is still paying the price for today.We also go under the barrier tape on one of the most debated cases in British forensic history: the murder of Jill Dando. Shot on her doorstep in Fulham on 26th April 1999, her case remains unsolved to this day. Brian offers an expert forensic perspective — including the pivotal role of firearms discharge residue evidence and why a conviction was eventually quashed. This episode drops ahead of the 26th anniversary of her death on 26th April, and her case continues to raise important questions about forensic science and what it truly takes to get it right.A wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation with one of the finest forensic minds in the UK.⚠️ This episode discusses the details of a murder investigation. Listener discretion is advised.#TheCrimeSceneInsiders #TrueCrime #TrueCrimeUK #JillDando #ForensicScience #ColdCase #UnderTheBarrierTape #BrianRankin #Podcast #TrueCrimePodcast #ForensicScientist #UnsolvedMurder

25 - Peter Hunter - From CSI to Head of Forensics | What Really Changes?

He went from attending crime scenes… to leading the teams behind them.In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we’re joined by Peter Hunter — a former Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) who is now Head of Forensics at Staffordshire Police.We started our CSI journey with Pete back in 2008, and in this episode we explore how a career in forensics really evolves — including what it’s like when you go from attending scenes… to leading the people who do.We cover first scenes, early mistakes, differences between police forces, and the reality of working in crime scene investigation in the UK.Plus, Pete talks us through one of his first complex murder investigations, and how forensic evidence helped piece together what really happened.If you’re interested in true crime, forensics, or what really happens behind the barrier tape — this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe for more real-life CSI stories.

24 - TRUE CRIME: The Unsolved Murder of Alan Wood - Evidence Without Answers

In October 2009, 50 year old Alan Wood was living a quiet life in rural Lincolnshire. A gentle and well-liked man, he worked nights at Sainsbury’s, ran a small gardening business, and enjoyed spending time with friends at his local pub.But after what appeared to be a completely routine evening, Alan returned home — and was never seen alive again.Three days later he was found dead in his living room, the victim of an extremely violent attack that shocked even experienced investigators.What makes this case particularly unusual is the amount of evidence recovered. Police identified a full male DNA profile at the crime scene, as well as a distinctive footwear mark. There is also CCTV footage of someone using Alan’s bank cards, and an E-fit of a potential suspect. Yet almost 17 years later, the murder remains unsolved.In this episode, we take a closer look at the evidence, the investigation, and the unanswered questions that still surround the murder of Alan Wood.Because despite the DNA evidence, CCTV, and multiple investigative leads — the person responsible has never been identified, and someone somewhere knows who it is.To view the evidence in this case, or if you think that you can help visit: https://www.lincs.police.uk/police-forces/lincolnshire-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/alan-wood-murder/—This episode covers the unsolved murder of Alan Wood, one of the most brutal and mysterious unsolved cases in Lincolnshire.If you enjoy true crime investigations, cold cases, and crime scene analysis, make sure to subscribe to The Crime Scene Insiders so you never miss an episode.

23 - Ang’s Story: Surviving Assault & Navigating Justice

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we continue the conversation that began in Episode 14, where Ange shared her experience of being assaulted and feeling let down by the criminal justice system.This time, we’re joined by Angela Whitworth — the friend who was with Ange on the night of the assault and who was also seriously injured, suffering a broken arm that required surgery.Ang talks through what happened from her perspective, the physical and emotional impact of the assault, and what it felt like to navigate the criminal justice process as a victim. She also speaks briefly about her career as an archaeologist and forensic anthropologist, including work in disaster victim identification, humanitarian crises, and as a forensic specialist for the International Committee of the Red Cross — giving important context to how it felt to suddenly find herself on the other side of the system she had trusted.This episode is about listening to victims, understanding the lasting consequences of violence, and recognising how procedural failures can compound trauma long after the event itself.💛 Thank you for listening and for supporting conversations that centre victims’ voices.

Ep 22 - CSI Justine Shanahan: From True Crime Books to Real Crime Scenes

This week we’re joined by Justine Shanahan — a CSI with over 25 years’ experience and a part-time lecturer at the University of Lincoln.Justine takes us back to the beginning: a teenager spending her pocket money on true crime books (long before CSI was cool), arranging her own attachments, and attending a post-mortem at just 17.And then comes the moment every new CSI fears most: her first night on call — and she’s deployed to a double murder!In this episode, Justine shares:- What it was really like starting as a CSI in the early 2000s- Major crime investigations early in her career in a “quiet” county- The long-term impact the job can have on mental health- Why she loves teaching and what she thinks CSI will look like in the future- The one case that still haunts her — the unsolved murder of Alan Wood (2009)As always, we take you back under the barrier tape — real stories, realities, and the parts of the job TV never shows.🎟️ Don't forget you can come to see us at CrimeCon UK! Birmingham (25 April 2026) & London (3–4 Oct 2026). Use code INSIDERS for 10% off your ticket at crimecon.co.uk.#TrueCrimePodcast #TheCrimeSceneInsiders #CSI #Forensics #UKTrueCrime #BehindTheScenes #PodcastUK

21 - TRUE CRIME: The Murder of Judith Richardson

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we focus on the murder of Judith Richardson, a 77-year-old woman living independently in Hexham, Northumberland, whose life was taken in August 2011.Judith was known in her community for her kindness, her love of music, and her regular attendance at organ recitals at Hexham Abbey. She lived a quiet life, rooted in routine and connection.Her murder came to light after the discovery of a discarded handbag — a seemingly ordinary item that led police to Judith’s home. Once she was found, the handbag became central to the investigation, triggering CCTV enquiries and ultimately helping to identify the suspect: Graeme Jarman. Known for his extremely violent past, his identification sparked a nationwide manhunt, turning the investigation into a race against time to apprehend him and prevent any further crimes.We explore how forensic evidence, CCTV, and careful investigative work came together — including Ange’s role as crime scene photographer at the post-mortem — while keeping Judith at the heart of the story.#TheCrimeSceneInsiders #TrueCrime #UKTrueCrime #ForensicScience #CSI #VictimFocused

20 - When the CSI Becomes the Victim: A Burglary Investigation Gone Wrong

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, it’s just the two of us — and we’re sharing a case that hits much closer to home.Angela recounts her experience of being burgled while asleep in her own home — and what followed was a forensic and investigative process that raised serious questions about triage decisions, evidence recovery, and the wider criminal justice system.From being told no CSI would attend, to carrying out our own scene examination and uncovering footwear marks that later linked multiple burglaries, this episode explores what happens when assumptions are made too early — and when vital evidence is dismissed.We discuss the realities of being a victim of crime after years working as investigators, the risks of phone-based crime triage, and why context, intelligence, and evidence-led decisions matter far more than tick-box processes.As always, we go back under the barrier tape to talk honestly about where systems work, where they don’t, and why evidence should always be allowed to speak for itself.

19 - Charlotte Thorpe: Stories from the Crime Scene

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we’re joined by Charlotte Thorpe, a former Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Manager, and Senior CSI, who spent over 20 years with Kent Police.Charlie has worked on thousands of crime scenes, from volume crime through to serious and complex investigations, and has led teams through some of the most challenging moments of their careers. She shares what it’s really like learning the role from the ground up, being thrown in at the deep end, and building confidence through experience — not textbooks.We discuss early career mistakes, major scenes, the realities of forensic work behind the scenes, and how the job impacts you over time. Charlie also reflects on leadership, mentoring new CSIs, and the importance of looking after yourself and your team — something she continues to do today in her current role as a trainer.An honest, insightful episode for anyone working in forensics, considering the career, or wanting to understand what happens underneath the barrier tape.