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, 8 Nell Jones, 14 Sorrell Leczkowski, 14 Eilidh MacLeod, 14 Megan Hurley, 15 Olivia Campbell-Hardy, 15 Chloe Rutherford, 17 & Liam Curry, 19 Georgina Callander, 18 Courtney Boyle, 19 & Philip Tron, 32 John Atkinson, 28 Martyn Hett, 29 Kelly Brewster, 32 Angelika Klis, 39 & Marcin Klis, 42 Elaine McIver, 43 Lisa Lees, 43 & Alison Howe, 45 Michelle Kiss, 45 Wendy Fawell, 50 Jane Tweddle, 51 Forever 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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

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/ [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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].