Bad Women: The Blackout Ripper

In February 1942, during the blackout, four women were murdered in London’s West End over the course of just one week. The culprit was dubbed The Blackout Ripper and a man called Gordon Cummins was later convicted of the crimes.

Historian Hallie Rubenhold pieces together the story through reading old police reports and speaking to women who escaped the killer.

“He was the most appalling creature I’ve ever seen in my life,” one says. Rubenhold also reflects on the hedonism and fear of wartime London nightlife.