263 prime suspects in killings are walking UK streets due to 'lack of evidence'

03 February 2024 , 17:37

672     0

Some of those on the streets are suspected of gun crime (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

Hundreds of suspected killers are on our streets because there is not enough evidence to put them away.

In the last three years, detectives had a prime suspect in 263 homicide cases but could not charge them. They included many accused of gun murders and stabbings who could not be brought to trial because witnesses were too scared to go to court.

David Spencer, of the Centre for Crime Prevention, said: “It is deeply concerning that hundreds of violent criminals are roaming our streets because the evidence is not there to prosecute them.

“People should come forward and share any evidence they might have that could help solve and bring the victims’ families and friends some peace.”

Some of the problems that lead to murder cases languishing in the pending tray relate to lack of DNA, computer and CCTV evidence.

Man in 30s dies after being stabbed in park sparking police probe

In the last three years, detectives had a prime suspect in 263 homicide cases but could not charge them (Getty Images)

But there are many crimes where witnesses won’t give evidence even if they and relatives are offered a place on witness protection schemes.

Retired Detective Superintendent Kevin Moore, former head of Sussex CID, said: “Witnesses have often been reluctant to give incriminating evidence because of fear of retribution.

“While there is an opportunity for the police to provide witness protection, people may not be willing to completely up sticks and move away, leaving behind family and friends by assuming a new identity.”

In the last three years police in England and Wales closed 1,965 homicides, 1,533 of which had somebody charged. As well as the 263 cases where a prime suspect could not be charged, there were also 54 where officers had no idea who had committed the crime and another 62 where the prime suspect had already died.

The remaining cases were closed for a variety of reasons including the defendant or a key witness being too ill. The statistics do not mean suspected killers on the loose will never be charged, but that officers have been moved on to other duties.

A spokesman for the National Police Chiefs’ Council said: “We are working closely with the Home Office to understand any emerging themes in homicides and what prevention opportunities there may be.

“We remain focused on the core role of policing in the face of homicide taking place: robustly investigating, bringing offenders to justice and supporting families and those affected.”

Matthew Davis