“He was too brave. He just kept coming.”
In August 1971, a Blackpool jeweller’s became a bloodbath in a scene which sounds straight out of a gangster film. One of Lancashire's top policemen, Gerald Irving Richardson was shot dead as he pursued an East End gangster, known as Fat Fred, in a bungled jewellery heist in the resort.
Tasked with commanding Blackpool, one of Britain’s toughest beats at the time, Gerld was a strong leader for the local force. Blackpool was a hotspot for the criminal underworld, with cheap boarding houses offering lodgings for criminals wanting to lie low, and easy transport links providing a quick entry and getaway to travelling rogues.
Upon his release, he set up a car dealership bringing in £400 - £500 a week, or £5,000 to £7,000 in today’s money. The lavish lifestyle he dreamed of soon came to fruition, with Sewell flashing the cash in Mayfair clubs, ordering expensive champagne and throwing generous tips at waitresses. The shop manager pressed a panic button and as the gang fled the scene they left a trail of diamonds and gemstones scattered along Blackpool’s streets. As the bungling crooks tried to open the locked doors of the getaway car, a police car screeched up the street. It was game over for the robbers.
"Don't be daft, don't be silly," were the superintendent’s words to Sewell before the robber fired two shots into the police officer's stomach. Gerald was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but died two hours later. As two of the gang had been bravely tackled by officers, Fat Fred and Charlie Haynes made their escape down the M1 to London.
Danmark Seneste Nyt, Danmark Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også læse nyheder, der ligner denne, som vi har indsamlet fra andre nyhedskilder.
Blackpool's Sandcastle Waterpark given gold award from VisitEnglandBlackpool’s Sandcastle Waterpark has been officially recognised as one of the best visitor attractions in the country when it comes to customer service.
Læs mere »
Next Home to open in Blackpool as expansion plans are revisedBlackpool Council’s Planning Committee has approved revised plans to bring a Next Home store to the existing Next on Clifton Retail Park, Marton
Læs mere »
Blackpool surgeon who went from council house to saving thousands of livesDame Averil Mansfield life started out in a humble Blackpool council house before she embarked on a remarkable career in the NHS
Læs mere »
Blackpool nightclub attack sees police focus on Wigan manThe assault took place on May 14 in the Flamingos nightclub, Blackpool
Læs mere »
'Declining' Blackpool street that 'can't be ignored any longer'Bond Street has 'for years been in decline' according to one of the area's local councillors demanding action is taken to improve the situation
Læs mere »
M55 to get first motorway service station between Preston and BlackpoolIt'd be the first services on the M55 and would take 18 months to be built
Læs mere »