Search for a KILLER
A revealing documentary takes a look back at the hunt for murderer Raoul Moat
For a week in July 2010, the nation was gripped by one of the biggest manhunts in British history – the search for gunman Raoul Moat.
Newcastle bouncer Moat, who had just been released from prison and had a vendetta against the police, was angry that his ex Samantha Stobbart was in a new relationship with karate instructor Chris Brown, and on 3 July he shot Chris dead and severely wounded Samantha.
Desperate search
‘Raoul Moat was an incredibly dangerous man,’ says Neil Adamson, who was head of Northumbria Police CID at the time. ‘The priority was to locate him and neutralise the threat.’ ITV’S Manhunt: The Raoul Moat Story explores the tense events a decade on and shows how a desperate search was launched for Moat as the killer sent a message vowing to target more
police officers. On 4 July, he shot traffic officer PC David Rathband in the face, blinding him.
‘That sent shock waves,’ says Neil. ‘The threat level to all staff was through the roof. Until Moat was located, they were sitting ducks.’
Moat was finally tracked down in Rothbury, Northumberland, and the terrified residents of the market town were placed under police lockdown. For several days, Moat hid in woodland, until, on 9 July, with the help of survivalist Ray Mears, he was discovered.
A stand-off with police ensued, and in a bizarre twist to the already shocking case, footballer Paul Gascoigne arrived offering to help before being turned away by police. As the impasse reached its climax, Moat shot himself dead.
‘He should have faced justice,’ says Neil. ‘The threat presented a challenge I hope I never face again. It was high pressure. It’s a week I’ll never forget.’