What does nearly 50 years at the frontline of forensic science look like — and what does it tell us about one of Britain's most enduring cold cases?

In this episode, Ange and Dee are joined by a very special guest and long-time mentor, Brian Rankin — former senior forensic scientist with the Home Office Forensic Science Service, former President of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, and one of the most respected voices in UK forensic science education and quality standards.

Brian takes us on a fascinating journey through his career, from the early days as a forensic chemist in the late 1970s, through the transformative impact of DNA, the miscarriages of justice that forced the profession to raise its standards, and the controversial closure of the Forensic Science Service — a decision he believes the UK is still paying the price for today.

We also go under the barrier tape on one of the most debated cases in British forensic history: the murder of Jill Dando. Shot on her doorstep in Fulham on 26th April 1999, her case remains unsolved to this day. Brian offers an expert forensic perspective — including the pivotal role of firearms discharge residue evidence and why a conviction was eventually quashed. This episode drops ahead of the 26th anniversary of her death on 26th April, and her case continues to raise important questions about forensic science and what it truly takes to get it right.

A wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation with one of the finest forensic minds in the UK.

⚠️ This episode discusses the details of a murder investigation. Listener discretion is advised.

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He went from attending crime scenes… to leading the teams behind them.

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we’re joined by Peter Hunter — a former Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) who is now Head of Forensics at Staffordshire Police.

We started our CSI journey with Pete back in 2008, and in this episode we explore how a career in forensics really evolves — including what it’s like when you go from attending scenes… to leading the people who do.

We cover first scenes, early mistakes, differences between police forces, and the reality of working in crime scene investigation in the UK.

Plus, Pete talks us through one of his first complex murder investigations, and how forensic evidence helped piece together what really happened.

If you’re interested in true crime, forensics, or what really happens behind the barrier tape — this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe for more real-life CSI stories.

In October 2009, 50 year old Alan Wood was living a quiet life in rural Lincolnshire. A gentle and well-liked man, he worked nights at Sainsbury’s, ran a small gardening business, and enjoyed spending time with friends at his local pub.

But after what appeared to be a completely routine evening, Alan returned home — and was never seen alive again.

Three days later he was found dead in his living room, the victim of an extremely violent attack that shocked even experienced investigators.

What makes this case particularly unusual is the amount of evidence recovered. Police identified a full male DNA profile at the crime scene, as well as a distinctive footwear mark. There is also CCTV footage of someone using Alan’s bank cards, and an E-fit of a potential suspect. Yet almost 17 years later, the murder remains unsolved.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the evidence, the investigation, and the unanswered questions that still surround the murder of Alan Wood.

Because despite the DNA evidence, CCTV, and multiple investigative leads — the person responsible has never been identified, and someone somewhere knows who it is.

To view the evidence in this case, or if you think that you can help visit: https://www.lincs.police.uk/police-forces/lincolnshire-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/alan-wood-murder/

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This episode covers the unsolved murder of Alan Wood, one of the most brutal and mysterious unsolved cases in Lincolnshire.

If you enjoy true crime investigations, cold cases, and crime scene analysis, make sure to subscribe to The Crime Scene Insiders so you never miss an episode.