"The Christmas Hunt" trailer introduces viewers to the grim realities faced by detectives investigating notorious homicides. Through interviews with seasoned officers, archival footage, and dramatic text overlays, the video highlights the emotional toll and the relentless pursuit of justice in cases involving extreme violence and callous killers. It emphasizes the challenging nature of these inquiries and the unforgettable impact they have on those who seek to bring perpetrators to justice.

• —Detectives deal with horrific cases that leave a lasting impact.
• —The pursuit of justice for victims is paramount.
• —Some cases involve extreme violence and premeditation.
• —Investigators never forget the most challenging inquiries.

On December 23rd, 2006, Detective Superintendent Mark Birch receives a call about a missing person, Andrew Scanlan, who had been reported missing by his girlfriend Louise five weeks prior. Scanlan, unemployed and involved in low-level crime, was estranged from his family and living on Dickens Street with Louise. Initially, the disappearance was treated as a routine missing person case, especially after Louise received a text message from Andrew stating he was 'off to London.' However, as police continued their checks, they began to uncover a lead that suggested more serious concerns.

• —A missing person case, initially deemed routine, escalates into a more serious investigation.
• —The missing man, Andrew Scanlan, was estranged from his family and involved in petty crime.
• —A text message from the missing person initially allayed fears but was later questioned.
• —Police diligence in routine checks led to a crucial discovery.

The video details the disappearance of Andrew, whose bank card continues to be used in Peterborough, despite his girlfriend believing he was in London. Detective Superintendent Mark Birch explains how this discrepancy transformed a standard missing person's case into a criminal investigation. He emphasizes the importance of facts over 'gut instinct' in solving such cases, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

• —Andrew's bank card was actively used in Peterborough after his disappearance.
• —This contradicted information given to his girlfriend, suggesting a deeper mystery.
• —The case quickly escalated from a missing person's inquiry to a serious criminal investigation.
• —Detective Superintendent Mark Birch stresses the reliance on facts and evidence over intuition.

The video features Mark Birch, a detective, who suspects a missing person, Andrew, has been murdered, not just gone missing. With Christmas approaching and only a misused bank card as initial evidence, Birch grapples with the weighty decision to initiate a full murder inquiry. He understands the significant resources it would consume and the potential for error, yet emphasizes the critical importance of every day in a murder investigation to prevent the loss of crucial evidence. The narrative intercuts his intense interview with scenes of a city decorated for Christmas and a police station at night, highlighting the stark contrast between the festive season and the grim reality of his work.

• —A detective suspects a missing person case is actually a murder, creating a moral and professional dilemma.
• —The decision to launch a full murder inquiry is complex, especially during the holiday season, due to resource allocation and public perception.
• —Time is a critical factor in murder investigations, as delays can lead to the irreversible loss of evidence.
• —The video explores the internal conflict and determination of law enforcement officers in the face of uncertainty.

DCS Birch leads an investigation into a missing person case, assembling a team to work through Christmas. The primary suspect is Peter Cottrell, the victim Andrew's best friend, who was using Andrew's bank card. However, the bank account lead proves to be a red herring. Later, Andrew's girlfriend, Louise, is questioned alongside Peter, and together they provide a compelling new lead related to a visit Andrew received on the night he was last seen.

• —Police are investigating a missing person case during Christmas.
• —The initial suspect, Andrew's best friend Peter, was using Andrew's bank card.
• —The bank card lead was a red herring, complicating the investigation.
• —Andrew's girlfriend, Louise, and Peter provide a new, significant lead.
• —Andrew had a visitor on the night he disappeared, which is now a key focus.

Detective Superintendent Mark Birch explains how Mark and James Bajent, half-brothers to Andrew Scanlan, orchestrated a scheme to obtain money Andrew inherited from their recently deceased mother, Linda. They convinced Andrew to travel with them to Dorset to collect £5,000 from a lawyer. The video implies this was the last time Andrew was seen alive, with the police using number plate recognition to track their movements.

• —Andrew Scanlan was lured by his half-brothers, Mark and James Bajent, under the pretense of collecting an inheritance.
• —The inheritance was £5,000 from their deceased mother, Linda.
• —Andrew was last seen alive with his half-brothers.
• —Police used number plate recognition to track the brothers' movements.

This video details a police investigation into Andrew's disappearance. Authorities tracked his car's route, which deviated significantly from the expected path to central London, instead heading towards Aldershot. This discrepancy, combined with text messages Andrew sent suggesting he was meeting friends in London, raises immediate suspicion. The police analyze the possibility that Andrew was coerced into sending these misleading messages to throw investigators off the scent. The narrative further explores the potential involvement of Andrew's brothers, who may have had a motive related to a legacy from their late mother, with the date of Andrew's disappearance being a crucial clue in the ongoing investigation.

• —Andrew's car was tracked, revealing a route that contradicted his communicated plans.
• —Text messages sent by Andrew were potentially misleading, possibly under duress to deceive investigators.
• —Police suspect Andrew's brothers may be involved in his disappearance, possibly due to a family legacy.
• —The specific date of Andrew's disappearance is considered a vital clue in solving the case.

The video details the aftermath of Linda Baigent's death on October 18th, focusing on the strained relationship between her sons, Andrew Scanlan, Mark Baigent, and James Baigent. On November 17th, Mark confronted Andrew, accusing him of being responsible for their mother's death due to his drug addiction and the stress it caused her. The police investigation uncovers significant animosity and 'bad blood' among the brothers, suggesting a complex and tragic family dynamic.

• —Linda Baigent died on October 18th, leading to a one-month anniversary on November 17th.
• —Her sons, Mark and James Baigent, blamed Andrew Scanlan for their mother's death.
• —The blame stemmed from Andrew's drug addiction and the perceived stress it caused their mother.
• —Mark Baigent confronted Andrew Scanlan, telling him not to attend their mother's funeral.
• —A police investigation revealed deep-seated animosity and 'bad blood' between the brothers.

This segment explores the deep-seated animosity within the Bagent family, focusing on the brothers' hatred for their half-brother, Andrew. It reveals that Mark Bagent had previously served a prison term for armed robbery, and the brothers suspected Andrew of informing the police. This suspicion, coupled with their mother's death, fueled their desire for revenge. The narrative suggests that the brothers abducted and killed their half-brother, Andrew, marking the one-month anniversary of their mother's death. An investigator, Mark Burch, develops a theory that the brothers are responsible, and evidence slowly begins to support his hypothesis.

• —Mark Bagent served a four-year prison term for armed robbery.
• —The Bagent brothers suspected their half-brother, Andrew, of being a police informant.
• —Their mother's death intensified their hatred for Andrew.
• —The brothers allegedly abducted and killed Andrew on the one-month anniversary of their mother's death.
• —An investigator, Mark Burch, is building a case against the brothers.

Detective Superintendent Mark Birch discusses the investigation into Andrew Scanlan's disappearance. Initially, suspects Mark and James Bajent denied involvement, but as police delved deeper, it became clear they were lying and had a strong motive. The investigation then focused on finding Scanlan's body and uncovered a third accomplice, Jeff Woods, a tree surgeon and close friend of the Bajents, who lived nearby and possessed tools that could be relevant to the case.

• —The initial suspects, Mark and James Bajent, lied about their involvement in Andrew Scanlan's disappearance.
• —A strong motive of hatred was identified, leading investigators to believe Scanlan was dead.
• —The investigation shifted from finding a person to finding a body.
• —A third individual, Jeff Woods, a tree surgeon, was implicated due to his profession and proximity to the suspects, suggesting a wider conspiracy.

The video details the police investigation into the disappearance and death of Andrew Scannon. It introduces three friends, Jeff Woods and brothers Mark and James Baigent, who were known for participating in war games. These three become prime suspects. The police meticulously plan their arrests to occur simultaneously, aiming to catch them off guard and gather trace evidence. The video then shows the arrests taking place in the early morning, followed by forensic teams entering James Baigent's flat in Sandhurst to collect evidence.

• —Three friends, Jeff Woods and the Baigent brothers, were involved in war games.
• —They became prime suspects in Andrew Scannon's disappearance and death.
• —Police planned simultaneous arrests to maximize evidence collection.
• —Forensic teams investigated James Baigent's flat after the arrests.
• —The case involves a missing person who is presumed murdered.

The video details a criminal investigation, starting with police footage from James Baigent's flat in Sandhurst, where evidence of meticulous planning to avoid detection was found. An interviewee explains how the suspects researched methods to avoid leaving forensic evidence, including cleaning a Ford Escort used in the crime and taping down its interior. The narrative then shifts to the suspects being held at Thorpe Wood Police Station in Peterborough, with DCS Birch having 96 hours to charge or release them.

• —Suspects meticulously planned to avoid leaving forensic evidence.
• —They researched methods from crime shows like CSI to evade capture.
• —Evidence included cleaning a car and taping its interior to remove traces.
• —The suspects are now held at Thorpe Wood Police Station.
• —DCS Birch has a critical 96-hour window to charge them or release them.

The video details a police investigation, 'OP ABERDEEN,' focusing on the questioning of three men. Initially, the suspects are described as arrogant, confident, and nasty, refusing to provide any explanation, leading to a complex and strategized interrogation process. Despite their initial silence and the detectives making little headway, the investigation progresses. On 'Day 13' (January 4th, 2007), house-to-house inquiries in Hampshire eventually start to bear fruit, hinting at a significant breakthrough.

• —Police investigations can be complex and require strategic questioning.
• —Suspects may initially be uncooperative, but persistence can yield results.
• —Community involvement, such as house-to-house inquiries, can be crucial in solving cases.

The video details the investigative process of a murder case known as "The Christmas Hunt." It highlights the meticulous work of detectives in unearthing information from witness statements to build a case. The focus then shifts to the interview room, where the gathered evidence is used to question suspects. Despite initial resistance from all three men, the persistent questioning over two full days eventually leads to one of them cracking and agreeing to cooperate, marking a significant turning point in the investigation.

• —Witness statements are crucial for building a strong investigative case.
• —Persistent questioning in interviews can lead to breakthroughs.
• —The "Christmas Hunt" case involved multiple suspects who initially refused to cooperate.
• —A suspect named Jeff Woods eventually decided to talk to the police.

The video details the investigation into the murder of Andrew Scanlan, focusing on the critical turning point on January 5th, 2007, day 14 of the investigation. Detective Superintendent Mark Birch explains the pressure of custody time limits when an accomplice, Jeff Woods, unexpectedly came forward. Woods, who assisted in disposing of the body, revealed its location, leading to the identification and charging of the 'Vasion brothers' for the murder. The narrative highlights the legal complexities and the breakthrough in the case.

• —The investigation into Andrew Scanlan's murder faced challenges with custody time limits.
• —A key breakthrough occurred when an accomplice, Jeff Woods, provided crucial information.
• —Woods admitted to assisting in disposing of the body, not the murder itself.
• —The information led to the identification and charging of the 'Vasion brothers' for the murder.

This video details a critical phase of a police investigation in Sandy Woods, Aldershot, Hampshire, on January 6th, 2007, day 15 of the inquiry. It features police footage of officers escorting a suspect, Jeff Woods, through a wooded area, 120 miles from Peterborough. A voiceover explains the urgency of the situation, highlighting that the police are nearing the end of their custody time limit to find a body. The suspect, Jeff Woods, is seen interacting with officers, pointing out locations, and is suspected of deliberately delaying the search. The video intercuts between the police footage and an interview with a male officer, who emphasizes the need for transparency and the pressure of the ticking clock.

• —The police investigation is focused on finding a body in Sandy Woods, Aldershot.
• —The suspect, Jeff Woods, is guiding police to a location, but his cooperation is questionable.
• —Police are under a strict custody time limit, adding pressure to the search.
• —The footage is presented as 'police footage' to emphasize authenticity and transparency.

The video intercuts an interview with a man discussing a planned body disposal with police footage of another man, Jeff Woods, leading officers through a desolate, wooded area. The interviewee expresses uncertainty about the exact location, suggesting it was a joint plan. Jeff Woods, in the police footage, struggles to pinpoint the exact spot, pointing to various areas including a 'bunker-like complex' and a 'hut,' leading to suspicion that he might be deliberately misleading the police on a 'wild goose chase.' The narrative builds tension around the search for a body and the reliability of the guide.

• —A suspect is leading police to a potential body disposal site in a forest.
• —The suspect's directions are vague and possibly misleading, creating doubt about his honesty.
• —The police are conducting a thorough search of a challenging, outdoor environment.
• —An interviewee suggests the body disposal plan was collaborative, with the location discussed beforehand.

The video intercuts between a re-enactment of a search in a dark, dense forest involving a police officer and a suspect, and an interview with a forensic expert. The suspect guides the officer through the woods, pointing out locations, while the expert emphasizes the need to avoid contaminating a crime scene with external DNA or trace evidence. The re-enactment highlights the difficulty of navigating the terrain and identifying specific spots, contrasting with the expert's explanation of meticulous evidence preservation.

• —Crime scene integrity is paramount to avoid contamination.
• —Suspects can provide crucial information for locating evidence.
• —Navigating dense woodland for evidence can be challenging.
• —Police procedures involve careful re-enactments and evidence handling.

The video documents a police investigation into a grim crime scene in a dark forest. Initial police footage shows officers searching the area, followed by an interview with a forensic specialist explaining the meticulous process of recovering evidence. The narrative transitions to the discovery of an outbuilding and, nearby, a shallow grave containing a dismembered torso. Further investigation reveals a second shallow grave just feet away, containing the victim's severed head and hands, identified as Andrew Scanlon. The video maintains a serious and somber tone, highlighting the shocking nature of the discovery and the forensic efforts involved.

• —Police discovered two shallow graves in a forest during an investigation.
• —One grave contained a dismembered torso, while the other held the victim's severed head and hands.
• —The victim was identified as Andrew Scanlon.
• —Forensic teams played a crucial role in processing the gruesome crime scene.

The video details the discovery of 35-year-old Andrew Scanlan's dismembered body in shallow graves on the outskirts of Aldershot. Detective Chief Superintendent Birch expresses a sense of professional achievement in finding the body, but also profound sorrow for the victim. He highlights the immense difficulty and time-consuming nature of recovering a body with dignity and collecting every piece of evidence, stressing that there's only one chance to get it right. The video shows graphic crime scene photos of the remains and forensic diagrams, underscoring the brutal nature of the crime and the precision required in the investigation.

• —The body of Andrew Scanlan was found dismembered and buried in shallow graves.
• —Police investigation focuses on meticulous recovery of the body and evidence.
• —The process of recovering a body in such circumstances is extremely challenging and time-consuming.
• —The detective feels a professional duty to the victim and his family.

The video details a murder investigation where the victim's head and hands were severed to prevent identification. Detective Superintendent Mark Birch explains the perpetrator's likely motive for dismemberment and shallow burial. A news reporter then describes how the victim, Andrew, was lured from his home and subsequently beaten and stabbed to death in Hampshire. The video concludes by emphasizing the critical role of the post-mortem in charging the three accused men with murder, marking day 20 of the investigation on January 11, 2007.

• —The victim's head and hands were removed to hinder identification.
• —The body was buried in a shallow grave.
• —The victim, Andrew, was lured from his home and murdered in Hampshire.
• —Police are seeking to charge three men with the murder.
• —The post-mortem examination is crucial for the investigation.

This video features a forensic expert discussing the post-mortem examination of a murder victim named Andrew. The expert describes the victim's extensive injuries, including stab wounds and widespread bruising consistent with a baseball bat attack, indicating prolonged torture. Graphic forensic reconstructions illustrate the injuries. The expert also mentions the killers' actions of strangling the victim, dragging his body into the woods, and burying him in a shallow grave, emphasizing the intent to inflict pain before death.

• —The victim, Andrew, suffered severe and extensive injuries, including stab wounds and bruising.
• —The injuries suggest prolonged torture before death.
• —The cause of death was strangulation, followed by the body being dragged and buried in a shallow grave.
• —The killers intended to inflict pain and suffering.

The video delves into a chilling murder case, where a detective describes the extreme violence inflicted upon Andrew Scanlan. It highlights the emotional toll on the victim during his final moments and the meticulous forensic work required to connect the perpetrators, the Bageant brothers and Jeff Woods, to the crime. The narrative culminates with the discovery of a crucial piece of evidence – a small shard of metal found in the victim's spine, potentially matching an axe found at one of the suspects' homes.

• —The murder of Andrew Scanlan involved extreme violence.
• —Forensic evidence, specifically a metal shard, was crucial in linking suspects to the crime.
• —The investigation focused on the Bageant brothers and Jeff Woods.
• —The victim likely experienced immense terror in his final moments.

This video delves into a criminal investigation, focusing on the forensic evidence that helped link a suspect, Andrew Scanlan, to a crime. It highlights the discovery of fibers belonging to Scanlan in a car and his blood on shoes found at Jeff Wood's address. The narrative also touches upon Jeff Wood's cooperation in locating a body and hints at the broader involvement of the Baigent family, suggesting a complex web of evidence and witness testimonies.

• —Fibers found in a car linked to Andrew Scanlan.
• —Andrew Scanlan's blood found on shoes at Jeff Wood's address.
• —Jeff Wood assisted in locating the body.
• —The case involves a strong prosecution based on forensic evidence.
• —Witness statements suggest wider family involvement.

The video features Detective Superintendent Mark Birch discussing the murder of Andrew Scanlan. He explains how Charlotte Bageant, the wife of one of the accused, revealed details about the murder at a party, implicating a group of individuals. She then assisted in the cleanup, disposing of clothing and evidence, and attempted to mislead the police. Her testimony became crucial in the case. The video then shows a newspaper headline about 'Brothers and Murderers' facing life in jail, followed by a scene depicting the 'Day of Trial' on January 14, 2008, at Crown Court. The narrative highlights the breakdown of relationships among the accused as the trial begins, with police evidence documents shown.

• —Charlotte Bageant's actions were pivotal in the murder investigation of Andrew Scanlan.
• —She initially spread information about the murder and later attempted to cover it up.
• —Witness testimony and evidence disposal were significant aspects of the case.
• —Three men were charged with murder and went to trial.
• —The trial led to a breakdown in the relationship between the accused.

This segment from "The Christmas Hunt" delves into a harrowing murder case involving Andrew Scanlan. Initially, three men, who were close friends, faced trial. The defense strategy, termed "cut-throat," saw them betray each other, with one claiming he only helped while the others were the killers. The trial, lasting seven weeks, concluded with a unanimous jury decision finding all three complicit in Scanlan's murder. The victim was kidnapped, humiliated, dismembered, and concealed. The ringleader received 24 years, his brother 22 years, and the third accomplice 20 years. Additionally, Charlotte Bajent was convicted of assisting her husband and brother-in-law, receiving a 12-month sentence. The judge noted the premeditation and planning involved, and praised the police and forensic services for their work.

• —The "cut-throat defense" strategy led to the conviction of three men for murder.
• —Andrew Scanlan was kidnapped, humiliated, dismembered, and concealed.
• —The three main perpetrators received lengthy prison sentences (24, 22, and 20 years).
• —An accomplice, Charlotte Bajent, was sentenced to 12 months for assisting.
• —The judge highlighted the premeditation and planning in the crime.

This video features an interview with a police officer discussing a disturbing murder case. He expresses pride in his team's investigation but is deeply affected by the "sibling hatred" and "cold-bloodedness" displayed by the perpetrators towards their own flesh and blood. The narrative is interspersed with somber outdoor shots and mugshots of the individuals involved, as well as a re-enactment of a man walking on a suburban street, identified as Peter Cottrell, a friend of the victim, Andrew, who was taken away by his half-brothers for inheritance.

• —The case involved extreme sibling hatred leading to murder.
• —The police officer was deeply impacted by the perpetrators' callousness.
• —The motive for the crime was inheritance.
• —The investigation was thorough and successful, leading to convictions.

This video delves into the murder of Andrew Scanlan, as recounted by his friend, Peter Cottrell, and an unnamed speaker. Peter expresses his shock and sorrow, emphasizing Andrew's kind nature and inability to harm anyone, contrasting it with the 'dark crime' committed against him. The narrative highlights the brutal reality that Andrew's resting place is an unmarked grave. Another speaker reflects on the inherent right to life and the injustice of Andrew's murder, acknowledging his past as a 'low-level criminal' but asserting that no one deserves such a fate. The video uses a mix of interview footage, somber outdoor shots of a forest and a cemetery, and a mugshot of Andrew Scanlan to convey a sense of loss and injustice.

• —Andrew Scanlan was a kind individual who was tragically murdered.
• —His death was a 'dark crime' that deeply affected his friends.
• —Despite his past, Andrew did not deserve to be murdered.
• —The video emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the injustice of taking it.
• —Andrew Scanlan's unmarked grave symbolizes the tragic end to his life.

The video displays a rolling list of end credits for the production 'The Christmas Hunt', acknowledging the narrator, various production team members including online editor, sound mixer, composer, graphics, director of photography, production runners, production coordinators, assistant producers, editors, producer, producer director, edit producers, production managers, line producer, executive producers, and series producer. It also credits archival sources like ITV, BBC Motion Gallery/Getty Images, Cambridgeshire Police, Peter Cottrell, and Google Earth, and thanks Mark Birch from Cambridgeshire Constabulary. The video concludes with the 'All3Media International' distribution logo.

• —The video is a compilation of end credits for 'The Christmas Hunt'.
• —It lists various production roles and individuals involved in the show.
• —Archival sources and special thanks are also acknowledged.
• —The show is distributed by All3Media International.