24 Hours in Police Custody returns with four-year fight for justice after teen left for dead

The new two-part special – called The Ambush – begins tomorrow (Sunday) on Channel 4.

It follows Bedfordshire Police's four-year fight for justice after a teenager was left for dead in Luton.

TV crews follow the force's Criminal Investigation Department as they work to establish the events which led to a teenage boy being left for dead under a railway bridge.

Initially reported as a hit-and-run in the early hours of Thursday, June 2, 2022, officers discover an unidentified teenage boy in a critical condition – but are his injuries from a road traffic collision?

In an investigation that remains ongoing, detectives leave no stone unturned as they work not only to identify those responsible for the boy's injuries, but the boy himself.

Featuring familiar faces from earlier episodes of the award-winning series, the latest instalment highlights the common link between drugs, violence and exploitation.

Tom Hamm, a former detective sergeant for Bedfordshire Police, led the investigation. He said: “This was an incredibly complex and emotive investigation, both from a personal and professional perspective.

“Sadly, what this case revealed is a fact that came up time and time again in my career as a police officer and later a detective – where there is illegal drug activity there is inevitably violence and exploitation of every kind.

“Whether that is young boys sent miles from home with a backpack and a burner phone, serious youth violence or vulnerable women entrapped in on-street sexual exploitation, drugs are almost always at the centre of it all. That’s what this episode showcases and what 24 Hours in Police Custody does as a whole, it offers unprecedented insight into the challenges and crimes Bedfordshire Police face on a daily basis.

“My hope is that viewers watch the show, not to be entertained but to be educated on the topics the documentary covers.”

Despite extensive inquiries a number of offenders remain outstanding.

“Ultimately this case isn’t closed,” Tom continued.

“So my plea to the public on behalf of my colleagues who remain in force is this: if you know anything about this incident or have information on the outstanding offenders, now is the time to speak up.

“It has been four years, I’ve no doubt that those involved will have spoken about this and someone out there knows exactly what took place. I urge you to speak to the police or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

24 Hours in Police Custody has been nominated in the Factual Entertainment category of the National Television Awards 2026 – you can vote here