24 Hours in Police Custody made a very welcome return this week, and Channel 4 viewers praised the true crime documentary as “one of the best programmes on TV by a country mile” as it focused on the “chilling” crimes of teenager Nicholas Prosper.
The Luton serial killer murdered his own mother and younger siblings, and planned the “biggest massacre of the century” at his former primary school.
The award-winning Channel 4 series exclusively followed one of the largest murder enquiries ever conducted by Bedfordshire Police. And those watching at home described it as “jaw-dropping”.
24 Hours in Police Custody fans ‘sickened’ by crimes of Nicholas Prosper
The first in a two parter followed Bedfordshire Police after they received a disturbing 999 call from a block of flats. Neighbours heard gunshots in the early hours of Friday, September 13, 2024. Bedfordshire Police immediately scrambled all available resources to the scene…
Tragically, it became clear that the gunman had killed several people in one of the flats. Inside, they found three members of the same family fatally wounded. However, one person in the family was missing. 24 Hours in Police Custody viewers subsequently discovered Nicholas Prosper had murdered his mother, and younger brother and sister.
Detectives also learnt that the teenager – who was just 18 at the time – wanted to gain notoriety by becoming the most deadly mass school shooter in history… He’d planned the “biggest massacre of the century” and picked Friday 13th especially. Luckily, he didn’t go through with the plan.
Channel viewers watching at home were deeply “saddened” and “sickened” by Nicholas Prosper’s actions.
One said on X: “This one has got me right from the offset. Horrific! #24hoursinpolicecustody.”
Another said: “Absolutely awful – a mother and 2 children. It’s just so shocking. #24hoursinpolicecustody.”
A third added: “One of the most alarming things I’ve ever watched … #24HoursInPoliceCustody.”
“An absolute tragic case. Just awful,” said another, while one more said: “This is actually really sad.”
Others called the documentary’s subject “chilling”, “disgusting”, and “sick”.
Channel 4 documentary is ‘the best programme’ on TV
Many of those watching were glad to have the show back on TV – despite the upsetting subject matter.
One said: “One of the best programmes on TV by a country mile. Bloke’s a psychopath. #24hoursinpolicecustody.”
Another said: “New episode of #24hoursinpolicecustody tonight. Best programme man.”
A third agreed, writing: “The best police programme on TV.#24hoursinpolicecustody.”
“Of all the fly-on-the-wall police documentary series on telly, none is as jaw dropping as #24hoursinpolicecustody – this one tonight is incredible,” added another.
24 Hours in Police Custody: ‘Nicholas Prosper seems very ill’
Although appalled by his crimes, many of those watching 24 Hours in Police Custody questioned Nicholas Prosper’s mental health.
One said: “So sad! My god, the own family member. He seems very ill too. This is a crazy episode! #24hoursinpolicecustody.”
A second added: “So he’s only 18 and his weird behaviour never got picked up at school? Really? He did a terrible thing, but he was failed by everyone and I feel this could have been stopped. #24hoursinpolicecustody.”
A third wrote: “He was a firework ready to explode. It was going to happen sometime. His family stood no chance.”
He’s got serious mental health issues,” typed another, “how do people like him slip through?”
Multiple other viewers agreed:
“He must be mentally ill to plan and do something like this. Also sounds like he may have some sort of neurodivergence. However it’s not an excuse. Plenty of people live with these conditions and don’t commit horrific crimes.”
“Oh what an incredibly sad episode. This young lad is clearly unwell definitely a mental health situation.”
“Horrific. Clearly significant issues with the perpetrator.”
“One of the strangest arrests we’ve seen on the show. There is no excuse for what he’s done but is he well?”
“He’s clearly unwell in some way. Why aren’t these people picked up earlier ? There must’ve been signs.”
“This looks like a complete mental break to me. It’s not an excuse, but this feels like it’s been building for a long time.”
“No excuse mind but clearly this kid is on the spectrum. PDA/ODD possibly high masker so never been picked up.”
“This 24 hours in police custody is sad man. The guy is clearly unwell.”
Viewers praise the police
Countless viewers shared their admiration for the police, and the ordeals they face in the line of work.
One said: “For all the bad press, programmes like #24hoursinpolicecustody show that the police are human and most of them decent humans as well.”
Another agreed: “Imagine walking into that scene.. Horrendous. The emotional and mental impact must be overwhelming to deal with. #24hoursinpolicecustody.”
A third said: “Oh my. They’ll all want counselling. #24hoursinpolicecustody.”
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