13 Earlier that morning, 10.05am.
Stuart had been taken away from the scene by colleagues, but Julie had decided to stay at the scene with the other officers.
She was certain there was more to be had from the neighbour, Eric Black. She didn’t think he was deliberately hiding anything from her, but she had a good sense of when a witness had more than a passing familiarity with a suspect.
She sat down in his living room with him and a young PC she’d not met before, and watched as Eric spooned four sugars into his tea, before slurping at it.
‘Eric, I know you’re obviously very upset and it’s been a very traumatic morning for you, but the first hour or two gives us the best chance of catching whoever did this. And you’re the person who can help us.’
Eric shook his head. ‘I’ve told you eve
