The Great Train Robbery and the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad: A Saga of Crime and Justice

The Great Train Robbery and the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad

by Julian E. Zelizer

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	38530 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	246 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Great Train Robbery

The Great Train Robbery was a crime that took place on August 8, 1963. A gang of 15 masked men stopped a Royal Mail train heading from Glasgow to London at Bridego Bridge in Buckinghamshire. They stole £2.6 million in cash and securities, which was equivalent to about £40 million in today's money.

The robbery was meticulously planned and executed. The gang had studied the train's schedule and knew that it would be carrying a large amount of cash. They also knew that the police would be slow to respond, as the train was in a remote area.

The gang used a variety of methods to stop the train, including placing a tree trunk on the tracks and throwing rocks at the driver. Once the train had stopped, they boarded it and forced the driver and guard to open the strongboxes.

The gang then made their escape in a waiting van. They drove to a nearby farm, where they divided up the loot and burned the getaway car.

The Investigation

The Great Train Robbery was one of the most high-profile crimes in British history. The Metropolitan Police launched a massive investigation, which was led by Detective Superintendent Tommy Butler.

Butler was a brilliant detective who had a reputation for solving even the most difficult cases. He was also a ruthless interrogator, who was not afraid to use violence to get the information he needed.

Butler and his team quickly identified the gang members, who were all career criminals with a history of violence. However, it took several years to track them down and arrest them.

The Trial

The trial of the Great Train Robbers began in 1964. It was one of the most sensational trials in British history. The public was fascinated by the details of the crime and the personalities of the defendants.

The trial lasted for several months. The prosecution presented a mountain of evidence against the defendants, including eyewitness testimony, forensic evidence, and confessions.

The jury found all 12 of the defendants guilty. They were sentenced to life imprisonment.

The Aftermath

The Great Train Robbery had a profound impact on British society. It was a reminder that even the most audacious crimes could be solved. It also led to a number of reforms in the British criminal justice system.

The Flying Squad was one of the main beneficiaries of these reforms. The unit was given more resources and manpower, and it became one of the most elite detective units in the world.

The Flying Squad has continued to investigate major crimes in the years since the Great Train Robbery. It has played a key role in solving some of the most high-profile cases in British history, including the murder of Stephen Lawrence and the 7/7 bombings.

The Great Train Robbery was one of the most audacious crimes in British history. However, it was also the turning point in the development of the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad, one of the world's most elite detective units.

The Flying Squad has continued to investigate major crimes in the years since the Great Train Robbery. It has played a key role in solving some of the most high-profile cases in British history, and it remains one of the most respected and feared detective units in the world.

The Great Train Robbery and the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad

by Julian E. Zelizer

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	38530 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	246 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE