Channel 4’s true crime documentary series 24 Hours in Police Custody returned with a gripping two-part special
Viewers of Channel 4 have all said the same thing as the “best show ever” makes its comeback with a two-part special.
This evening (8 December), a fresh instalment of 24 Hours in Police Custody aired on Channel 4. The acclaimed documentary series provides an authentic glimpse into the workings of a regional police force, shadowing detectives as they tackle serious and complex criminal cases.
Over the years, the true crime programme has amassed a devoted following, with supporters hailing it as “TV gold”. Tonight’s episode has sparked immediate reaction from audiences, with many expressing similar sentiments within moments of broadcast.
The programme, which documents police investigations, featured the opening chapter of a two-part special entitled “24 Hours in Police Custody: A Family Vendetta”. Detectives probe the deaths of two individuals, with Channel 4 posing the question: “How did child a child custody dispute become a double execution?”.
On X, previously known as Twitter, true crime enthusiasts shared near-identical reactions shortly after the new episode began. One viewer commented: “Been looking forward to this (if that’s the right word). Rare to see a new one.”, reports Cambridgeshire Live.
Someone else posted: “It’s rare to see a new one #24hoursinpolicecustody.”
A third person remarked: “Yay #24hoursinpolicecustody is back.” Another viewer wrote: “Wow, this one’s gonna be a wild ride.”
One audience member responded to the distressing footage, noting: “Omg the phone ringing on the body cam with the other one filming the family trying to call the phone is haunting.”
Another viewer remarked: “This is mad #24hoursinpolicecustody.”
One simply declared it the “best show ever” whilst expressing their enthusiasm for the programme’s comeback.
This evening’s episode centred on a double murder investigation where a father and son were both fatally shot at their respective homes in two Cambridgeshire villages. Stephen Alderton, 67, was handed a life sentence in October 2023 after pleading guilty to the killings of Gary Dunmore, 57, and Josh Dunmore, 32.
The two-part Channel 4 documentary thrust viewers immediately into the devastating case, beginning with the initial emergency calls before officers connected the incidents. It was previously reported that Alderton shot Joshua at his residence before gunning down Gary multiple times just over 30 minutes later.
The distressing episodes chronicle the police inquiry, the intensive search for the suspect and his dramatic apprehension, as detectives piece together the tragic circumstances of a family feud turned fatal.
Featuring extensive bodycam material, audiences were swift to voice their reactions, with one viewer writing: “One of the wildest episodes ive seen.”
Another commented: “Watching #24hoursinpolicecustody and oh my god..”
24 Hours in Police Custody: A Family Vendetta continues tomorrow at 9pm on Channel 4
