CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews last night’s You have to admire the understaffed police solving this brutal gang killing
On the second day of the murder investigation, DCI Mark Bellamy was blunt in his assessment: ‘The number of officers here is insufficient given our current workload. Quite the contrary.’
In charge of Operation Columbia, the investigation into seven individuals believed to be involved in the violent death of a 23-year-old courier, Bellamy has the authority to summon approximately 45 investigators and crime scene analysts.
However, the rapid pace and extensive nature of the probe strained his team’s resources significantly. Unlike the Met, they didn’t have the luxury of vast human resources and equipment at their disposal whenever needed.
In the heart of the quaint medieval market town of Shrewsbury, I found myself standing before a police station. Despite its peaceful and safe reputation, even muggings are scarcely heard of here. However, as per the local newspaper, the Shropshire Star, there’s been an unfortunate surge of bicycle thefts recently.
On a peaceful residential road, Aurman Singh found himself inside a DPD delivery vehicle, handing over packages. Suddenly, a group of young individuals hiding in ambush approached him.
Video footage from doorbell cameras showed the group scrambling into their pair of vehicles, with a few still carrying weapons. Regrettably, the actual crime occurred beyond the camera’s view, but eyewitness accounts, filled with shock and disbelief, left no room for doubt about the intensity of the assault.
Mr. Singh sustained numerous injuries from stabbings and blows, which included severe damage to his head caused by an axe and a golf club.
24/7 Murder Chronicles, an engrossing six-episode series, chronicles the work of the West Mercia Police force as they investigate a crime, starting with the very instant a concerned bystander dialed 999.
In my investigation, I stumbled upon one vehicle left deserted. Another one was identified an hour westward in the Midlands. Following a nerve-wracking chase that involved a helicopter and a canine unit, we managed to apprehend four individuals. Remarkably, just like our victim, each of them bore the surname Singh.
Initially, the police were clearly skilled, composed, and showed a high level of competence, suggesting that the remaining suspects would soon be apprehended. However, as more details about the crime emerged, Superintendent Bellamy’s concerns about staff shortages became apparent.
Before the men could be interrogated, it was necessary to bring in Punjabi translators. This troubled one detective, who noted that ‘Sometimes they have some understanding of English which is then clarified by the interpreter. The conversation lacks a rhythm, so you’re not able to fire off quick questions. You’re not putting them on the spot to think quickly.’
As I delved deeper into the events unfolding, a compelling theory started shaping up – it seemed retribution was on the horizon, triggered by the escalation of violence at yesterday’s kabaddi game in Derby. It turns out that kabaddi is somewhat akin to touch-rugby, and it holds considerable popularity in India.
This small-town law enforcement agency faced overwhelming challenges: A brutal feud originating from a city 70 miles distant, stemming from a sport with origins 7,000 miles away, dealing with individuals who are either unwilling or unable to communicate in English.
Tonight’s documentary about the Shrewsbury murder investigators has left me in awe, but I can’t help but wonder, given their challenges in preventing bike thefts, how they manage to handle such violent situations.
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2025-06-17 02:34