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The Best Episodes of Crimes That Shook Britain

Every episode of Crimes That Shook Britain ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Crimes That Shook Britain!

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Uncover the truth behind the crimes that shocked the nation.

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Crimes That Shook Britain Season 5 Episode 4 - The Philpotts
    8.1/10(16 votes)

    #1 - The Philpotts

    S5:E4

    When six children died in a house fire in Allenton, Derby in May 2012 it shocked the nation. Parents Mick and Mairead Philpott were seen visibly distraught in front of the press but just weeks later, they were charged with the murders. Now convicted of manslaughter for their children’s deaths, we uncover the reasons behind the arson attack on their own home. Speaking to eye witnesses who desperately tried to save the children’s lives, as well as family members and neighbours that knew the couple well, Title Role will unravel the real story behind the tragic deaths of Jade, John, Jack, Jesse, Jayden and Duwayne.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 7 Episode 4 - Keith Blakelock
    8.0/10(12 votes)

    #2 - Keith Blakelock

    S7:E4

    In 1985, PC Keith Blakelock was brutally murdered during a riot on a housing estate in North London triggered after a black woman died of heart failure during a house search. Keith received more than 40 injuries during the sustained attack from a number of rioters. Nobody has been brought to justice for his murder to this date, despite three investigations and the arrests of over three hundred people.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 9 Episode 1 - Elle Edwards
    8.0/10(6 votes)

    #3 - Elle Edwards

    S9:E1

    Christmas Eve 2022, 26-year-old beautician Elle Edwards was enjoying a night out with friends and family in a local Merseyside pub. Shortly before midnight, she stepped outside for some fresh air. Minutes later, she was struck down in a torrent of machine gun bullets as the unintended victim of a gangland shooting. As the nation reeled from the breaking news on Christmas morning, Merseyside Police launched their biggest-ever murder investigation. But as they faced obstacles and delays, the local community had to break their wall of silence to help bring the killer to justice

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 3 Episode 3 - Victoria Climbie
    7.8/10(16 votes)

    #4 - Victoria Climbie

    S3:E3

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 7 Episode 3 - Joanne Dennehy
    7.8/10(15 votes)

    #5 - Joanne Dennehy

    S7:E3

    With exclusive, first time access to Dennehy’s mother and father, we hear from the murderer’s parents and how the crimes of their daughter have shattered a family. Joanne Dennehy is the first woman in the UK to be handed a whole life tariff by a Judge. The judge ordered that she should die behind bars for the brutal murders of three innocent men. Dennehy showed no remorse for the killings. Her reason – “to see if I was as cold as I thought I was. Then it got moreish and I got a taste for it". In this episode we delve into the mind of such a cold hearted killer and look at what drove her to become one of Britain’s most notorious female criminals. We also hear from the officers who handled the case and an acquaintance of Dennehy’s who she bragged to.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 2 Episode 3 - The London Nail Bombings
    7.7/10(22 votes)

    #6 - The London Nail Bombings

    S2:E3

    Police and witnesses reflect on David Copeland's nail bomb terror in 1999, when blasts in Soho, Brixton and Brick Lane killed three and injured over one hundred.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Crimes That Shook Britain

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  7. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 5 Episode 1 - Jimmy Savile
    7.7/10(29 votes)

    #7 - Jimmy Savile

    S5:E1

    Once a national treasure, now the most vilified man in the UK, one year on from his death Jimmy Savile was branded as the worst sex offender the UK has ever seen. In October 2012, an investigation into Savile began, prompting hundreds of victims of child sex abuse to come forward to 28 police forces. Allegations dated back to 1955, but how could such a high profile entertainer with such a prolific background in abuse, go apparently undetected for so long? We talk to the victims, family members and former colleagues of Savile to lift the lid on one of the biggest scandals this country has ever seen.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 5 Episode 2 - Lee Rigby
    7.7/10(21 votes)

    #8 - Lee Rigby

    S5:E2

    In broad daylight on a busy Woolwich street on 22nd May 2013, serving soldier Fusilier Lee Rigby was attacked and murdered by Islamic extremists Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale. The men used their car to strike the soldier from behind as he crossed the road. They then proceeded to use knives to hack at Lee’s body in an attempt to decapitate him before dumping him in the middle of the road. These sickening events were caught on camera phones by horrified onlookers and the killers were filmed claiming to have carried out the attack in the name of Allah. In a dramatic sequence of events, police arrived at the scene within minutes and shot at the two men as they ran towards them holding up their weapons. Both Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale were found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey. In this programme we speak to witnesses to the attack and experts on terrorism to examine how two young British men could be radicalized to such an extent that they killed an innocent man in the name of religion.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 1 Episode 3 - The Russell Murders
    7.6/10(23 votes)

    #9 - The Russell Murders

    S1:E3

    The horrific murder of Lin and Megan Russell in 1996 made headline news worldwide. Lin and her two daughters, Megan and Josie, were bludgeoned whilst walking down a country lane after a swimming lesson. Remarkably Rosie survived. Michael Stone was convicted of their murders in 1998. In this episode Shaun Russell, Lin’s husband, reveals his tragic story. How he heard the dreadful news, what happened on the day of the tragedy and the aftermath. We also speak with police and family friends about the case and reconstruct the family's tragic journey on that day.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 2 Episode 6 - The Murder of Stephen Cameron
    7.6/10(16 votes)

    #10 - The Murder of Stephen Cameron

    S2:E6

    Gripping documentary examining the fatal stabbing of 22-year-old motorist Stephen Cameron during an altercation on the M25 in 1996.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 5 Episode 5 - The Marchioness Disaster
    7.6/10(14 votes)

    #11 - The Marchioness Disaster

    S5:E5

    In the early hours of 20 August 1989, 131 people were attending the birthday party of Cambridge graduate Antonio de Vasconcellos in London. Held on the River Thames on the pleasure boat Marchioness, the boat collided with dredger Bowbelle and sank within minutes resulting in the loss of 51 lives. Following the disaster, families were told they could not see their loved ones and questionable practices were carried out on the deceased causing an inquiry to take place several years later. Marking the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, we uncover not only how the tragedy unfolded but how it continued in the aftermath of the accident. Talking to survivors, relatives and maritime experts we reveal the mistakes made and the changes now in place to ensure that this type of disaster never reoccurs.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 6 Episode 2 - April Jones
    7.6/10(21 votes)

    #12 - April Jones

    S6:E2

    The hunt for five year old April Jones, when she vanished in October 2012, was the largest missing person search in UK police history. April went missing whilst playing with her friends and was last seen getting into vehicle near her home in Machynlleth, mid-Wales. The nation held their breath as the hours, days and weeks rolled on, in the desperate hope to find her alive. But on the 6th October a local man, Mark Bridger was charged with her abduction and murder. Investigations in his background revealed that Bridger was a prolific user of child pornography and a paedophile. After a long and distressing trial, Bridger was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison with a whole life tariff. With unprecedented access to the Jones family and the police investigation, we reveal the true story behind this appalling crime and how April’s family have channeled their grief into campaigning for a safer internet.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 7 Episode 2 - The Rochdale Groomers
    7.6/10(18 votes)

    #13 - The Rochdale Groomers

    S7:E2

    One of the UK’s biggest sex trafficking rings was uncovered in Rochdale in 2012. In a horrific catalogue of abuse, girls as young as 13 were subjected to rape and torture by a gang of nine men. One 15-year-old girl was even ‘recruited’ by the gang to lure other girls into the trap. After plying them with alcohol and money, the victims would be raped by up to twenty men at a time. The gang were sentenced to between four and nineteen years for their crimes.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 1 Episode 5 - Hungerford Massacre
    7.5/10(29 votes)

    #14 - Hungerford Massacre

    S1:E5

    The Hungerford massacre shocked the nation in 1987 when the heavily armed Michael Ryan, 27, took to the streets and began firing at anyone in his path. By the end of the afternoon, the horrific massacre was finally over. Ryan had killed 16 people, including his mother, wounded 15 others and seriously transformed the lives of everyone who was unlucky enough to be there that day. The tragedy is told through the eyes of the people at the core of the killings; a survivor, heroes who tried to save lives, police and a nurse at the hospital.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 2 Episode 1 - Dunblane Massacre
    7.5/10(24 votes)

    #15 - Dunblane Massacre

    S2:E1

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 3 Episode 1 - Rachel Nickell
    7.5/10(22 votes)

    #16 - Rachel Nickell

    S3:E1

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 3 Episode 6 - James Bulger
    7.5/10(21 votes)

    #17 - James Bulger

    S3:E6

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 5 Episode 6 - Clare Wood
    7.5/10(14 votes)

    #18 - Clare Wood

    S5:E6

    In April 2007, Clare Wood met George Appleton on a dating website and they embarked on a relationship together. Unbeknownst to her, Appleton was a criminal with a severe history of violence against women. Several months later Clare decided to end the relationship, but Appleton was furious and began to torment Clare at home. Although she was interviewed by police several times, Clare's pleas for help went unheeded and her burnt body was discovered at her home in Salford in February 2009. Appleton had raped Clare, and then strangled her to death before setting her body alight. A police man-hunt for Appleton ensued, but after 5 days he was found hanged in a derelict pub, escaping justice. After years of hard work, a group of campaigners – this included Clare’s father, politicians and journalists - successfully launched Clare’s Law, a renewed version of a national scheme that allows people to find out if their partners have a history of violence. The programme contains exclusive interviews with Clare's father, Home Secretary Theresa May, and journalists and police officers instrumental in changing the law to give domestic violence sufferers ‘the right to know’.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 5 Episode 3 - Rose West
    7.4/10(19 votes)

    #19 - Rose West

    S5:E3

    When several bodies were discovered buried in the back garden of their Gloucester home in 1994, a media furor surrounded the couple after it was learned that most of their victims – which included two of their own children - died following episodes of sadistic rape and torture. Whilst Fred was first held accountable as the instigator, we highlight new information which uncovers Rose as a cold blooded killer single handedly guilty of several murders of her own. Featuring exclusive interviews with Rose’s solicitor, surviving victim Caroline Roberts and the man who led the investigation - former Detective Superintendent John Bennett. As Rose West serves her life sentence in prison, 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the first body discovered at the family home.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 6 Episode 1 - Rolf Harris
    7.4/10(18 votes)

    #20 - Rolf Harris

    S6:E1

    Rolf Harris was considered one of the country’s best loved entertainers until he was accused of a string of historic indecent assaults. Unlike Jimmy Savile, he was still alive to be brought to justice. Originally from Australia, Rolf Harris became a television star in the UK back in the 1960’s. He would become famous for his TV programmes, music and art, even painting a portrait of the Queen for her jubilee in 2012. But in August 2013, his legacy and reputation lay in tatters when he was accused of numerous indecent assaults on girls as young as eight years old between 1968 and 1986. In July 2014 he was sentenced to five years in prison for his actions. We reveal Harris’ life and his crimes told by people who worked with him and those who represent his victims who fought so long for justice.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 6 Episode 3 - Dale Cregan
    7.4/10(19 votes)

    #21 - Dale Cregan

    S6:E3

    Drug dealer Dale Cregan hit the headlines in 2012 when he murdered police officers Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone. Dermot Murnaghan examines the tragic case

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 6 Episode 4 - Angus Sinclair
    7.4/10(17 votes)

    #22 - Angus Sinclair

    S6:E4

    On an October evening in 1977, 2 girls were enjoying a night out in the World’s End pub in central Edinburgh. The following day, one body was found on a beach, the other in a field. The girls were seen leaving the pub with two men but the identity of the killer would remain a mystery for the next 30 years. In 2007, Angus Sinclair was charged with the girl’s murder after new DNA evidence linked Sinclair and his brother in law Gordon to the murders. However the trial sensationally collapsed when a piece of crucial evidence was withdrawn. Unbeknownst to the jury, Hamilton had a history of sex attacks starting at the age of 16 and culminating him serving a life sentence for the murder of a 17 year old woman in Glasgow in 1978. In 2014, following the development of new DNA technology, Prosecutors successfully applied for a change in a century’s old law of double jeopardy, consequently allowing the same man to be tried twice for the same crime. This time, the trial proved successful and Sinclair was jailed for a minimum of 37 years. He has been described as Scotland’s worst serial killer and the authorities believe he may well have been responsible for numerous other murders.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 2 Episode 2 - The Murder of Rhys Jones
    7.3/10(17 votes)

    #23 - The Murder of Rhys Jones

    S2:E2

    The parents of innocent 11-year-old Rhys Jones, shot on his way home from football club in Liverpool 2007, speak about the harrowing day when they lost their son.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 3 Episode 4 - Sally Ann Bowman
    7.3/10(18 votes)

    #24 - Sally Ann Bowman

    S3:E4

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Crimes That Shook Britain Season 6 Episode 6 - Suzy Lamplugh
    7.3/10(22 votes)

    #25 - Suzy Lamplugh

    S6:E6

    Estate agent, Suzy Lamplugh, disappeared in July 1986 after going to meet a client at a house in Fulham. Witnesses said they saw her arguing with a man near the address and then getting into a car. She has never been seen since. For almost thirty years police have followed many lines of enquiry – one being to identify who ‘Mr Kipper’ is that she went to meet. So far they have reached a dead end. In 1994 she was officially declared dead, presumed murdered. The strongest theory to date is that convicted rapist and killer, John Cannan, killed Lamplugh. But as yet, this hasn’t been proven. Cannan is already serving a life sentence with the recommendation he never be released.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"The Philpotts" is the best rated episode of "Crimes That Shook Britain". It scored 8.1/10 based on 16 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 9/7/2014. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Keith Blakelock".