What does it take to move from attending routine crime scenes to leading the forensic response to some of the most complex cases in the UK?

In this episode, Ange and Dee are joined by Bob Gallagher MBE — former Senior Crime Scene Investigator and Crime Scene Manager with Greater Manchester Police. Bob was awarded his MBE for services to forensic and digital investigations, including his role in the forensic response to the Manchester Arena bombing.

From the murders committed by Harold Shipman and the extensive exhumations that followed… to the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing… Bob has worked on some of the most significant and complex investigations in modern UK policing.

He joined GMP as a CSI in 1997 after a career in the Royal Navy, and went on to progress into senior forensic leadership roles — overseeing major murder investigations and making critical decisions under extreme operational pressure.

Bob reflects on managing multiple murder scenes in a single night during what he describes as a "weekend from hell," and what it really feels like to make forensic decisions when everything is happening at once.

We also hear about his move into Counter Terrorism, leading GMP's forensic and digital investigations unit — and the moment he received the call offering him that role while still at a live crime scene.

This is a rare insight into what it truly means to work at the sharp end of major crime — beyond what the public ever sees, and often beyond what is ever spoken about.

⚠️ This episode contains descriptions of graphic crime scenes and violent deaths. Listener discretion is advised.

🎙️ Bob will return for a dedicated episode on the Manchester Arena investigation in a fortnight's time.

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