Cops, lawyers, journos - help please

[steveo]

I'm trying to research a murder that happened in Essex in the 70s. I have the date, the place and the victim's name but that's about it.

Essex police aren't being very helpful, the CPS won't give info to the public and the local newspaper won't reply to a request to search their archive. There's nothing at the Public Records office. So I'm stuffed.

Or am I? Is there another way?

[????]

Harry the 'orse Bombadini is ITK on this one Steveo

[Loz]

Try the British Library newspaper archive up in Colindale.

http://www.bl.uk/reshelp/inrrooms/blnewspapers/newsrr.html

[Ted Max]

Local libraries might also be worth a go - they keep newspapers on archive. Read through back copies of the Brentford Bugle (or whatever) around the dates in question, and if you know trial dates that would help too.

If there is a byline on any articles written about the case, see if you can find out if the journo is still alive and track him/her down. They may remember case details that they couldn't report on, or weren't included in the report.

Keep trying the local paper as well, as it's likely to be "can't be arsed" or "too difficult" rather than a stone cold "won't help". Maybe turn up in person if all else fails even if it's just to get a definitive answer.

[maxxi]

Did you request your info from the CPS &/or police using the Freedom of Information Act? You might also try Coroners Records for that date & time using the same act.

http://www.cfoi.org.uk/pdf/foi_guide.pdf