UK's 'most wanted' Phantom of the Forest killer murdered two cops in cold blood

16 January 2024 , 19:50

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Barry Prudom was the most wanted man in Britain for 18 days in 1982 (Image: PA)

Serial killer Barry Prudom, dubbed the Phantom of the Forest, used SAS techniques to evade police during his violent rampage.

The electrician shot and killed two officers during his terrifying cold-blooded murder spree in 1982 and became the subject of what was, at the time, the largest manhunt in British history. Described as a 'firearms enthusiast', Prudom killed three people before he was finally caught.

He was tracked down by former SAS soldier and tracking expert, Eddie McGee, who - it was later discovered - ran survival courses Prudom had previously attended. Tonight, Channel 5's Manhunt: Search for the Cop Killer retraces the 18-day manhunt to find the most wanted man in Britain.

The manhunt for the triple murderer lasted more than two weeks as he used SAS techniques to flee (Getty Images)

Prudom carried out several crimes leading up to his killing spree, and in January 1982, he was arrested for attacking a motorist with an iron bar in Wakefield. When he skipped his date at Leeds Crown Court, a warrant was issued for his arrest. On June 17, his crimes escalated when he was pulled over by PC David Haigh at a picnic area near Harrogate.

PC Haigh had written down his date of birth and details of his car when Prudom killed him with a single gunshot to the head. He went on the run and two days later, police discovered his Citroen burned out in a cornfield in Ledsham. On June 20, Prudom broke into a house and tied up the elderly woman inside, 75-year-old Freda Jackson. He stole £4.50 and fled the scene.

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Three days later, Prudom broke into another home and tied up a middle-aged couple, George and Sylvia Luckett - then shot both of them in the head. George died and Sylvia incredibly survived but was left with permanent brain damage. Prudom took the couple's car and drove to North Yorkshire, while police forces across the area searched for the serial killer.

Prudom shot and killed two police officers in cold blood and held victims hostage during his spree (Getty Images)

On June 24, Prudom was stopped by police dog handler PC Ken Oliver in Dalby Forest and shot him seven times before the police dog jumped in to save his handler's life. As the manhunt launched, Prudom disappeared for a fortnight. Over a thousand officers and multiple helicopters joined the search. On June 28, investigators discovered the crazed gunman's true identity.

That same day, PS David Winter followed leads about a suspicious man seen in a North Yorkshire village and Prudom shot him dead at point-blank range. He then fired at a group of journalists before fleeing down an alleyway. Police brought in survival expert Eddie McGee to help.

For several days, Prudom hid in the countryside and at pensioner Maurice Johnson's house, before tying him, his wife Bessie, and their son Brian up. After learning about McGee's assistance on TV, Prudom tried to set up a false trail. But the Johnsons freed themselves and led police to where Prudom was hiding.

As armed police surrounded Prudom's makeshift shelter, he was ordered to surrender but they heard a gunshot and opened fire. Prudom, 37, was discovered dead inside and an inquest found he had shot himself in the head.

• Manhunt: Search for the Cop Killer airs on repeat on Channel 5 at 10pm tonight.

Nia Dalton