Notorious triple police murderer Harry Roberts has died at the age of 89, the Mirror can exclusively reveal. The mastermind behind one of Britain's most shocking post-war crimes passed away years after his controversial release from prison.
The Shepherd's Bush Murders: A National Trauma
The name Harry Roberts became synonymous with one of the most brutal attacks on police officers in British history. In a crime that horrified the nation, Roberts was the ringleader in the Shepherd's Bush murders of 1966, not 1996 as some early reports incorrectly stated. The cold-blooded killing of three unarmed detectives left an indelible scar on the public consciousness and the police force.
On a summer afternoon, detectives Christopher Head, David Wombwell, and Geoffrey Fox were conducting a routine traffic check in west London when they were ambushed. Roberts, along with two accomplices, shot the officers at point-blank range. The calculated nature of the attack and the targeting of police officers sent waves of fear and anger across the country.
A Life Behind Bars and Controversial Release
Harry Roberts was captured after a massive manhunt and sentenced to life imprisonment. He spent 48 years in prison, becoming one of Britain's longest-serving inmates. His case remained in the public eye for decades, symbolising the ultimate betrayal of the officers who serve to protect.
In a decision that sparked significant public and political debate, Roberts was finally released from prison in 2014. His parole was granted on the condition of strict licence conditions, but his freedom was met with outrage from the families of his victims and many within the police service. His release marked the end of an era but did little to heal the wounds inflicted nearly half a century earlier.
Legacy of a Notorious Crime
The death of Harry Roberts closes a dark chapter in British criminal history. For the families of Detectives Head, Wombwell, and Fox, the pain of their loss has endured across generations. The Shepherd's Bush murders led to calls for officers to be armed, a debate that continues to this day, and forever changed the perception of risk for police on the beat.
Roberts's notoriety ensured his name remained a byword for the most heinous attacks on authority. His lengthy incarceration and eventual death behind the veil of a protected identity highlight the complex issues of justice, punishment, and rehabilitation for the most serious offenders. The passage of time does not diminish the gravity of his crimes, which continue to be studied as a pivotal moment in the annals of UK crime.
This remains a breaking news story. Further details regarding the circumstances of his death are awaited.
