West Yorkshire Police launch fresh appeal on murder from 1980s

James Adams - known as 'Jimmy' - was killed in Bradford in 1981

Author: Rory GannonPublished 25th May 2024

Police in West Yorkshire have launched a fresh appeal for information in relation to a murder that took place in 1981.

The victim - James Adams, who was known as 'Jimmy' - was stabbed multiple times at a set of public toilets by Carlisle Road and Bavaria Place on May 26th, 1981 at around 12:45 a.m.

Jimmy had been at the New Beehive Inn in Westgate before the attack took place and had left the area just after midnight.

As he made his way home, he was followed along Carlisle Road by a man whom officers believe is to be the suspect.

Following initial enquiries, witnesses along the road said they head screams coming from the public toilets, as they saw the suspect flee the scene.

Some brave witnesses were able to confront the suspect at Marlborough Garage, but they managed to make an escape after threatening the witnesses with the knife.

Jimmy was later taken to hospital, where he was found to have 22 stab wounds. He later died from his injuries.

An artist's impression of the suspect was drawn up following the murder

At the time, an artists impression had been drawn up due to witness reports. The suspect was described as being a white man aged between 25 and 35 and somewhere between 5'6" and 5'8".

He was also described as being of a medium build with collar-length dirty blonde hair whilst wearing a pair of glasses. One witness also compared his look to that of John Denver.

Speaking on the new appeal, Detective Sergeant Richard Ord from the Major Investigation Team from West Yorkshire Police said that they were looking into the case once again.

"West Yorkshire Police never files or closes undetected serious offences until they are solved," he said. "We are reviewing this case and hoping a re-appeal on the anniversary of the murder, it might jog people's memories.

"We appreciate it is a long time ago, but any information however small could be the line of enquiry that we need to identify this man. Our focus remains on James and his family and seeking justice for them, no matter how long ago."

Anyone who may have any potential information that could help officers can get in touch with the force by calling 101 and quoting incident reference number 13100110891.

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