Revolutionary DNA technology could finally unravel the mystery of who murdered a heroic police officer nearly 35 years ago, offering new hope for justice in one of Britain's most poignant cold cases.
A Hero's Final Act
Detective Constable Jim Morrison was off duty on the evening of December 13, 1991, when he made the ultimate sacrifice. The 26-year-old officer was walking through Covent Garden in central London to meet his wife of three years, Victoria, when he witnessed a crime in progress.
The young policeman had earlier spent about an hour at the Nell Gwynne pub in Bull Inn Court from 8pm. Meanwhile, a group of at least three bag snatchers had been operating in the area, and that night a handbag had been stolen from the Maple Leaf pub in Maiden Lane.
Jim spotted a man carrying items stolen from a nearby pub and immediately intervened. He became involved in a struggle with the suspect outside the London Transport Museum shortly after 10pm.
The Fatal Attack
Jim pursued the suspect into Aldwych, eventually cornering him outside the Indian High Commission. It was there that the attacker produced a folding knife and stabbed the young officer three times.
Despite brave attempts by members of the public who tried to block the offender's escape route, the assailant slipped away into the night, leaving Jim fatally wounded.
At the time, police described the suspect as being of Algerian or North African appearance, approximately 5ft 10 inches tall and aged between 27 and 30. He had a medium build, was clean shaven, and had dark collar-length hair with distinctive tight curls at the front. Crucially, he was wearing a waist-length tan or brown leather jacket.
The Long Quest for Justice
For nearly 35 years, Jim's widow Victoria, now 59, has lived with the agony of unresolved justice. Scotland Yard's Cold Case Homicide Team has pursued leads across Germany, Belgium, Canada, France and Ireland, making several arrests over the decades, yet the killer remains at large.
In 2016, and again on the 30th anniversary of the murder, police launched fresh appeals with a £30,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. A memorial service was held at the spot where Jim fell, attended by then Met Commissioner Cressida Dick.
Victoria Morrison has never wavered in her determination to see justice served. She stated: "My whole world was turned upside down completely. I'll never give up seeking justice. People talk a lot about closure but I won't get it. Someone getting away with murder is not right."
Now, forensic advancements in DNA analysis are being applied to the case, offering the most promising lead in years. A Met Police spokesperson confirmed: "Detectives are continuing to explore all opportunities in their investigation, including advancements in forensic technology."
The breakthrough represents the best chance yet to solve this decades-old mystery and provide long-awaited answers for a grieving widow and a police force determined to honour one of their own.
