Crimewatch: Three decades of catching Britain’s most wanted

A string of high-profile murder and rape investigations have been helped with the public’s assistance after featuring on Crimewatch.

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The BBC has said it is calling time on Crimewatch after 33 years of being a staple on the schedules.

Since it was first broadcast in 1984, the programme has carried hundreds of appeals for information and reconstructed crimes with the aim of catching those responsible.

Here are some of the high-profile crimes which have been solved with the help of the public after being featured on the show:

:: One of the more shocking crimes shown on the programme was the abduction and murder of two-year-old James Bulger. Crimewatch broadcast the grainy CCTV footage of two 10-year-old boys with the toddler at a shopping centre in Bootle. After the show, two witnesses rang in and confirmed they had seen Robert Thompson and Jon Venables with James.

Politics Brexit — Jon Venables (left) and Robert Thompson.

Michael Stone appeal — Michael Stone (PA archive)

Stephanie Slater and Michael Sams (PA file)

Joel Smith — Joel smith (Metropolitan Police/PA)