Sad to say that this area is in the spotlight for the wrong reasons at the moment. A man has been arrested and charged with the murders of three women in Bradford, following the discovery of remains in a rucksack in the River Aire just outside Saltaire. In consequence, the whole area is teeming with police and parts of the river have been cordoned off whilst they conduct methodical underwater searches. There are police support officers stationed at every place where you can access the river bank - hence this police van parked on the Victoria Road bridge across the canal in Saltaire. (There is a path that links the canal towpath with the riverbank, just past the Mill.)I got talking to the chap on duty by the canal gate. They have had officers there night and day for over a week... pity the poor guys who had to stand on the canal bank all night with nothing to do but watch the night. It's because the river is a 'crime scene'. The search shows little sign of abating - there was a large van labelled 'Specialist and Underwater Search Unit' in Saltaire last night.
On a lovely sunny day, it's hard to believe that evil can exist, just around the corner so to speak. But I am grateful for the meticulous way British police generally operate - I know they sometimes make mistakes under pressure, but on the whole they do a great job.
Yes, an unenviable task, the police have there. A little disconcerting to have such a large presence in the area, but if that's what it takes to conduct a thorough investigation, it's a small price I guess.
ReplyDeleteHope things become more settled soon.
I've been watching this and thinking similar thought about the presence of evil in such a lovely place. It can be a sad world we live in.
ReplyDeleteI agree about our police though. Last week, my son and his friend were stopped by a much older youth who took the friends mobile phone. The police have been extremely efficient and a suspect has been arrested. Now we wait and see.
We also heard on TV about this man who killed and hurt many people in England before killing himself.
ReplyDeleteYes, when this kind of reality enters our lifes, and so near, it's frightening!
One of the broadcasts had the mill in the background and a mention of the Aire, so I guessed it was in your area. All that and now the shootings; bad few days.
ReplyDeleteOn a strange historical note with reference to guarding bridges over the River Aire : during the war my father - who was in the Home Guard - was given the task of patrolling Baildon Bridge - I suppose in case the Germans decided to invade via the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
ReplyDeleteWonderd if that is a water taxi or a tour boat. Enjoyed looking at your blogs, I will watch more.
ReplyDeletePity about the bad rep, this place looks gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteCiao
When I studied at Bradford & Ilkey Community College circa 1998-2001. I did most of my course at the Junction Mills Building on Thornton Road in Bradford. Actually is was straight opposite the flat were this murderer lived. Not a nice thought is it. But sadly evil does lurk in every corner of the World.
ReplyDeleteHorrible that it had to happen there or anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel - we had the same thing happen literally down the street from us - sad, and honestly, disgusting.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful sight of such a sad event. Hopefully justice will be served.
ReplyDeleteSomehow horrible acts become even more so in such lovely surroundings.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to believe such a thing could happen in such a lovely place. Great.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see they are thorough and already have a man in custody, which is a good way to reinforce to other "would be" criminals the swift arm of justice! ~Lili
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