What had begun as a relatively normal day in Kirkby, England, would end with a missing two-year-old. It is a case which continues to shock Great Britain and indeed the world.

Friday the 12th of February 1993 started out as any other day for the Bulger family of Kirkby in Merseyside, England. Dad, Ralph had his breakfast as usual while Mum, Denise attempted to feed their son James. James was always a smiley and cheeky boy and breakfasts could be a challenge while he chattered away indiscernibly about whatever took his fancy that day. But without fail James would be having Frosties, they were his favourite cereal. While most of the Frosties ended up on the floor it was a delight to watch him attempt to prove his independence by feeding himself.

It’s late winter 2012, just five days after Christmas, police officers from South Wales, have just attended the scene of a car accident in the middle of the night after receiving calls from concerned members of the public. As the rain beat down on the dormant, darkened road of the A467 northbound carriageway between Crosskeys and Risca, the officers were greeted by the sight of a silver Peugeot 306, abandoned near trees on the side of the carriageway. It doesn’t appear there are any other vehicles involved in the incident, and there is no sign of the driver.

On December 23, 1959, at 7:44 PM, police in Birmingham were dispatched to the YWCA hostel in Edgbaston after a report from a frightened woman. 21-year-old Margaret Brown explained to the officers she had been ironing in the utility room when she suddenly felt a draught. Upon investigating, Margaret discovered the door in the next room that led outside to the yard was open. Strange, but the young woman didn’t think too much of it.

On December 23, 1994, Tracey Mertens heard a knock on her door in Rochdale. As soon as she answered it, Tracey was grabbed, blindfolded and thrown into a car. For the hour that they drove, the mother of two went through every possible scenario in her head of what was about to happen to her. But not even in her worst nightmares, could Tracey have guessed the brutality her kidnappers were going to put her through.

Kerry or “the Kingdom” as it is often referred to by the Irish, is known for its mystical landscape, beautiful sandy beaches, cliffs and rocky headlands. Today’s case begins at one of those scenic places, at about 500 m long White Strand beach near Caherciveen.

48-year-old Heather Barnett was described as a very proud mother of two who always put her children first and ensured they didn’t miss out. Her profession as a seamstress allowed Heather to work from home, where she made curtains, cushions, tablecloths and clothing pieces for her clients around Dorset. As a single mother, Heather’s resources were limited, but she loved the life her little family lived.