WMG Scanning Technology Featured in Powerful BBC Documentary on the Moors Murders

Advanced scanning technology developed by Professor Mark Williams and his team at WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group), University of Warwick, plays a pivotal role in the powerful new BBC Two documentary series The Moors Murders: A Search for Justice.

The two-part series, produced by Longtail Films and airing on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, reopens one of the UK’s most harrowing cold cases: the search for the final victim of serial killers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, 12-year-old Keith Bennett. The documentary features never-before-seen documents and audio recordings, alongside new forensic investigations that challenge long-held assumptions about the case.

Professor Williams is a leading expert in advanced scanning and imaging technologies, who contributed state-of-the-art forensic analysis to the programme. His team’s high-resolution 3D scanning and material analysis provided critical insight into key pieces of evidence uncovered during the investigation. The technology helped to scan an area of interest on the moors to identify anomalies and features in the landscape for potential body deposition sites.

The scan data was then reviewed in WMG’s 3D visualisation suite, where the digital terrain models were rendered in immersive, high-resolution 3D environments, enabling investigators to virtually navigate the landscape, and compare emerging evidence to refine search areas and support hypothesis testing.

“WMG’s scanning techniques offer a non-invasive, incredibly precise way to revisit fragile and historical evidence,” said Professor Williams. “We are proud to support this important work that not only advances forensic science but also contributes to the ongoing pursuit of justice for the families affected. This case highlights how engineering innovation can play a crucial role in supporting complex historical investigations.”

Former Police Senior Investigating Officer and cold case expert Martin Slevin said; “There have been many searches over the years for Keith’s remains, but no searches in the past 25 years have sought to utilise modern technology to identify where his remains may lie. Based on a very detailed analysis of all available material, including re-interpretation of photographic evidence, being able to utilise WMG’s 3D scanning technology has proved invaluable.”

“Not only does the technology capture the area in detail but it allows me to identify primary and secondary search areas for future exploration. It provides a forensic-level understanding of the landscape, giving investigators new clarity and direction in what has been a decades-long search.”

The 3D imaging technology was first used in 2014 when West Midlands Police approached Professor Mark Williams to help with their murder investigation after a body was discovered in a suitcase in a Birmingham canal. It has since been used to help solve over 300 murder cases across 30 police forces in the last decade.

The documentary, led by author and filmmaker Duncan Staff, also features forensic archaeologist Professor John Hunter, and former murder detective Martin Slevin. Their combined expertise, bolstered by WMG’s cutting-edge technology, drives a fresh investigation into potential burial sites and Brady’s manipulative legacy.

Duncan Staff, Creative Director of Longtail Films, says: "The purpose of this project is to reveal why this case has never been closed and to show how victims’ families have been traumatised for generations as a result. This is the story of how Ian Brady has been able to manipulate everyone for more than half a century - and what should now be done to finally put an end to it."

Joanna Carr, Head of BBC Current Affairs, says: "Almost 60 years after Brady and Hindley were convicted, Duncan expertly revisits the case, uncovering evidence that has long been forgotten in pursuit of answers - and, ultimately, justice."

The Moors Murders: A Search for Justice is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact:

Kat Beauchamp, Communications Manager (External Relations)

katherine.beauchamp@warwick.ac.uk / 07880175408

Read more about WMG’s Metrology and 3D Imaging research here.

About the University of Warwick

Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.

7 August 2025