Four Lives

BBC1, 9pm, Monday to Wednesday

The staggering incompetence of the Met Police in investigating the deaths of four young gay men who were eventually found to be the victims of murderer Stephen Port (Stephen Merchant) was underlined at an inquest last month. The jury concluded that failings by the officers involved contributed to the fate of all but the first of his victims.

This three-part drama (continuing until Wednesday) has been made with the consent of all four grieving families and is closely based on the facts of the case.

It reveals in detail the incredible catalogue of police errors. With the initial point of view that of Sarah Sak (Sheridan Smith, right), whose son, Anthony Walgate, was the first of Port’s victims, this is never easy viewing, but the depiction of events is grimly captivating and you’ll be infuriated by the appalling dereliction of duty by those in authority. ★★★★☆