In a major breakthrough for law enforcement, a fly-on-the-wall documentary series has secured exclusive access to one of the UK's most significant police operations. Channel 4's acclaimed series '24 Hours in Police Custody' tonight reveals the inside story of how authorities dismantled a global encrypted phone network used by organised crime groups.
The EncroChat Takedown: A Covert Operation
The episode, titled 'The Secret Network', focuses on the pivotal year of 2020, when an international law enforcement coalition successfully cracked the EncroChat communication system. Used extensively by criminals to coordinate illicit activities, the network's breach led to thousands of arrests across Europe.
Viewers are taken inside Bedfordshire Police's covert investigation, beginning with a tense scene at a house in Luton. The documentary captures the moment a hooded individual retrieves a shotgun from a rucksack and discharges the weapon. The police team's work to hack and decipher messages sent prior to the shooting forms the core of the investigation, triggering a widespread manhunt for those involved.
Tonight's Television Line-Up
Beyond the police documentary, Wednesday evening offers a diverse selection of programming across British networks.
On BBC Two at 7pm, chef Rick Stein continues his Australian journey in 'Rick Stein's Australia'. Travelling north from Sydney to the Central Coast, he embarks on a bush walk and prepares a traditional 'chop picnic' featuring roasted kangaroo and bacon. His trip continues across the Hawkesbury River, exploring the local paradox of deer being considered pests yet still hunted for venison.
BBC One at 9pm sees the return of school drama 'Waterloo Road'. After a 12-week training period, the new behavioural manager Nicky Walters, played by Kym Marsh, faces immediate challenges. Her first day is complicated when police catch Year 10 students dealing drugs. Meanwhile, teacher Darius, portrayed by comedian Jon Richardson, hatches a plan involving a sniffer dog that promises to cause significant disruption.
Further Prime-Time Choices
For those seeking lighter entertainment, Channel 5 at 9pm presents 'The Good Ship Murder'. In this unique crime series, detective and crooner Jack, played by Shayne Ward, partners with cruise ship officer Kate (Catherine Tyldesley) to solve a murder at sea. The investigation begins when a dubious wellness guru's seminar ends in a sudden death, making a disgruntled patient the prime suspect.
Fans of psychological drama can tune to U&Alibi at 9pm for 'Dark Winds'. In what is described as its most Lynchian episode yet, the show sidelines the Chee and Bernadette storyline. Instead, it follows Lieutenant Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) into a dreamscape known as the Yellow World after he is shot with a tranquilliser dart, where he confronts elements of Native American mythology including the Ye'iitsoh monster.
Comedy concludes the evening on BBC Two at 9.45pm with 'Live at the Apollo'. Hosted by the razor-sharp Desiree Burch, the line-up features Suzi Ruffell discussing the merits of having just one child, and 26-year-old 'future of comedy' Finlay Christie.
Live Sports Action
Football fans have a crucial semi-final to enjoy tonight. The first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final between Newcastle United and Manchester City kicks off at 7.30pm on ITV1. The other semi-final, featuring Chelsea against Arsenal, will be broadcast on Wednesday at 7pm on Sky Sports Main Event.
