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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jordan Shepherd

Brutal murder of Darren Birt in Glasgow to be examined by experts on BBC's Crimewatch

The brutal murder of a man stabbed to death after a street party in Glasgow over two decades ago will be examined by experts on BBC's Crimewatch on Friday. Darren Birt, 22, was found lying on the road in Calvay Place, Barlanark, with stab wounds in the early hours of Wednesday, August 28, 2002.

It is believed Darren became involved in an altercation at a gathering on Burnmouth Road before he was chased from Edinburgh Road towards Burnett Road and attacked with hammers and knives.

He was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary but died from his injuries a short time later - with police still searching for his killer over 20 years on.

Three men were charged but never prosecuted, with the murder attracting little media coverage.

Malcom Kelt, 47, who was previously convicted of killing another man nearby with a sickle, was one of those arrested.

Brian Birt, Darren's father, later wrote a book describing his killing as ‘the forgotten murder’ and successfully campaigned for a new investigation.

Detectives relaunched their probe into Darren's murder in March this year and appealed to members of the public who may hold key information.

Now a team of experts from BBC's Crimewatch will examine the case for the first time. A reconstruction of the incident, produced by Crimewatch and Police Scotland's Major Investigations Unit, will be broadcasted.

Residents living close to the crime scene near to Calvay Place and Burnett Road in Glasgow received letters from Police Scotland on Wednesday. Investigators urged locals to watch the BBC reconstruction carefully in the hope it can provide vital information as they bid to crack the case.

The force has also offered a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the killer.

Detective Inspector Lynsey Watters said in the letter: "I am seeking information in respect of the above incident, which occurred on Wednesday, August 28 2002, in Calvay Place near to Burnett Road Glasgow. This incident is being investigated by Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team and will feature in the BBC's CRIMEWATCH programme on October 7 2022.

"I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to watch the reconstruction. If you have any information at all regarding this incident I would urge you to contact the major investigations teams of Police Scotland on the number below.

"Should you wish to protect your identity you can call Crimestoppers anonymously Crimestoppers is an organisation that is completely independent of the police. Crimestoppers have offered a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or person's responsible.

"Should you have any information please contact any of the numbers listed below. Quoting incident number EB06340802 of 28h August 2002."

Calvay Housing Association has residents living in the local area and shared the letter on social media.

A spokesperson said: "We are saddened by the death. We would encourage people to come forward if they have any information and support the police with their enquiry."

Police Scotland and the BBC were approached for comment.

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