Episode notes
The Chief Constable of Essex telephoned the Scotland Yard Criminal Investigation Division from Romford at 9:05 on the morning of Tuesday, September the 27th, asking that officers be sent to Stapleford Abbotts, a village halfway between Romford and Ongar on the London Chelmsford Road. Chief Inspector Quinton Tabset of Scotland Yard was assigned to the case. Tabset, along with Detective Sergeant Philip Wise, traveled to Stapleford Abbots, which is about four miles outside the limits of the Metropolitan Police Area. When they arrived, they were shown the body of Police Constable William George Greenly, who had been stationed there. He had been found murdered alongside the road a few miles from the village. The Chief Constable explained to Wise and Tabset what had happened. He says "We know it happened sometime after 1:30 AM, chief inspector, because I met him at a conference point at that time". Tabset asks "Where, Councilman?" He says "Near Grove House on the road to Ongar, about 600 yards from where the body was found, sir. He had been shot four times, sir. Twice through the head and, these other two. Tabset says "That's horrible". Chief Constable says "Yes, sir. They shot the poor chap square in each eye. I hope they drown in their own blood, sir". Tabset says "At least, they'll hang". The Constable says "Bill Greenly and I were kids together, sir". Tabset says "They'll hang". Constable says "He had his pencil in his hand, sir. His notebook was lying on the road near him. He evidently stopped a car and was talking to them". Tabset asks "Are there marks on the road?" The Constable says "I'll show you, sir. It isn't far. I'd rather like to get out of here".