Police chief denies ITV documentary serial killer claim

Police chief denies ITV documentary serial killer claim17 minutes agoPaul BurnellNorth WestCheshire PoliceMark Roberts claims the families of the dead couples have been harassed by the production companyA police chief has criticised ITV over a documentary set to be broadcast - based on claims by an ex member of police staff - which alleges two elderly couples were in fact murdered by a serial killer.Mark Roberts, chief constable of Cheshire Police, was responding to Hunting the Silver Killer, which challenges the findings of detectives over the deaths in Wilmslow in 1996 and 1999.Roberts said he was also speaking out "on behalf of" the families: "From the outset we have been clear that there is absolutely no evidence that the Ainsworth and Ward cases were double murders, and that there is no serial killer at large."An ITV spokesperson said the film, by ITV Wales, was "fair and balanced".Howard Ainsworth, 79, and his wife, Beatrice, 78, were found dead in 1996 while Donald Ward, 73, and his wife, Auriel, 69, were also found dead three years later.Cheshire detectives concluded in both cases the husband had killed their wives before taking their own lives.Roberts explained: "Following the spurious claims made by a former member of staff both cases were meticulously investigated by experienced detectives, along with specialist forensic scientists and officers from the National Crime Agency."All of whom concluded that there was absolutely no evidence to support further investigation."He added: "My heart goes out to both the Ainsworth and Ward families who have been deeply impacted by these harmful claims, and both have stated throughout that they were against any documentary and did not wish to have any involvement in the show."Yet despite this, both families feel that they have been harassed by the production company over the past two years, when it should instead have been focussed on conducting due diligence on the credibility of the sources they relied on."'Great deal of public speculation'The ITV spokesperson continued: "ITV acted with transparency and integrity in the making of this film, respected the family's wishes not to take part and gave a right of reply to Cheshire Police, adhering to Ofcom's Code of Conduct. "The film is a fair and balanced look at the events surrounding these murders including the views of two of the country's most eminent forensic scientists, following a great deal of public speculation."Cheshire Police said the staff member at the centre of the allegations was found guilty of seven counts of gross misconduct. The panel ruled she would have been dismissed had she not already resigned and she was also added to the College of Policing barred list, prohibiting her from working in policing roles.Read more stories from Cheshire on the GREE, watch GREE North West Tonight on GREE iPlayer and follow GREE North West on X. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.More on this storyChief constable criticises CCTV room closure planRelated internet linksCheshire PoliceITVITV WalesITVCheshire PoliceCheshireWilmslow