Crime Next Door

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Crime Next Door

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Gripping True Crime stories from neighbourhoods across the UK. Series 6: Who Killed The Shakoors? A father is the sole survivor of a house fire that killed his wife and five children. Follow his story of unimaginable loss and the on-going fight for justice. Previously on Crime Next Door: Series 1. An Assassin Comes to Town Gunshots kickstart an extraordinary tale of state terrorism. Series 2. Servants and Saints Exploring the story and allegations of a global religious group. Series 3. Death on the Farm After fifty years the community of Llangolman seek justice. Series 4. The Salisbury Poisonings Follow the public inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess. Series 5. The Golden Toilet Heist Exploring a story of art, mystery and a solid gold toilet stolen from a British palace.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Introducing... Who Killed the Shakoors?

    A father is the sole survivor of a house fire that killed his wife and five children. On 15 October 2012, Dr Abdul Shakoor jumped from an upstairs window of his house in Harlow, Essex. It was a desperate attempt to get help. His wife Dr Sabah Usmani and their five children died in the fire and police opened a murder investigation. Dr Shakoor has been fighting for answers and justice ever since. Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin A BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
    3 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    1. A family trapped in the fire

    A normally quiet residential street in Harlow is woken in the middle of the night to screams for help. Doctor Abdul Shakoor jumps from the bedroom window of his Essex home as fire rages through the living room downstairs. His wife and five children are still inside. What Adbul didn't know then is that he’ll be the only family member to survive and also that someone else may have been in the house. Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin A BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
    20 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    2. A second fire

    The town of Harlow is in shock after a house fire left Dr Sabah Usmani and her four children dead. A fifth child is on life support in hospital. The father, Abdul Shakoor, is by his daughter's bedside praying for her to pull through. As the community in Essex tries to come to terms with what’s happened, detectives reveal the Shakoor's home wasn’t the only fire in the street that night and the search for answers begins. Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin A BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
    14 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    3. A murder investigation

    Police get a breakthrough when something was found dumped near the Shakoor family home, eleven days after the fatal house fire. The discovery means the fire is now officially a murder investigation. As enquiries increase there's a problem, which could provide a reason why this case remains unsolved. Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin A BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
    15 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    4. Forensic evidence

    Police believe someone broke into their home that night and a fire was started, but no-one has ever been charged. With claims of evidence compromised, mistakes made and missed opportunities. We turn our attention to the crime scene forensics. Hear from people closest to the case, speaking for the first time about their concerns. Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin A BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
    12 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    5. Justice for my family

    Dr Abdul Shakoor lost his wife and five children in a house fire in Harlow, Essex. He shares his shock at the discoveries we've uncovered relating to the investigation. Dr Shakoor still hopes that one day those responsible will be brought to justice. Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin A BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
    16 min
See All Season 6 (6)

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About

Gripping True Crime stories from neighbourhoods across the UK. Series 6: Who Killed The Shakoors? A father is the sole survivor of a house fire that killed his wife and five children. Follow his story of unimaginable loss and the on-going fight for justice. Previously on Crime Next Door: Series 1. An Assassin Comes to Town Gunshots kickstart an extraordinary tale of state terrorism. Series 2. Servants and Saints Exploring the story and allegations of a global religious group. Series 3. Death on the Farm After fifty years the community of Llangolman seek justice. Series 4. The Salisbury Poisonings Follow the public inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess. Series 5. The Golden Toilet Heist Exploring a story of art, mystery and a solid gold toilet stolen from a British palace.

Information

  • Channel
    BBC
  • Creator
    BBC Sounds
  • Episodes
    60
  • Seasons
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2025
  • Show Website
    Crime Next Door
  • Provider
    BBC Studios Distribution Limited

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