Présentation de l'éditeur
The story of sixty years of Scotland Yard s top crime-busting department has been written over a twenty year period by a former detective who spent over eight years with the Flying Squad The Sweeney. The meticulous research by the author has uncovered files never before released by the Yard and he has amassed the tales of bravery and top-notch investigations, carried out by the Squad officers of yesteryear. The book commences with the dramatic account of the daring gold bullion and jewellery raid in 1948 by a gang of well-organised criminals from the newly-opened Heathrow Airport. The Flying Squad were lying in wait for them and what happened next, was described by a judge at the Old Bailey as, The Battle of Heathrow . The Flying Squad was formed to stem the tide of lawlessness, following the First World War; from humble beginnings using horse-drawn wagons, they swiftly progressed to high-speed cars. Taking on the might of the Racetrack Gangs, armed robbers and smash & grab raiders, the Squad was brought to the forefront of the public s attention. The war years, the secret post-war Ghost Squad, the horse-doping scandals, the Great Train Robbery, the Bank of America robbery, Supergrasses and corruption are recounted with its scrupulous attention to detail. The book is filled with thrilling, amusing and always compelling anecdotes from the men who were there. It was the Flying Squad who inspired the popular TV series. This book reveals what life was really like in The Sweeney.
Revue de presse
It's a rollercoaster ride; detectives who took crime by the scruff of its neck and wouldn't let go. --East Anglian Daily Times 19 February 2011
Dick Kirby's trademark humour is laced throughout this anecdote-paced book. --Tangled Web Website
A terrific book .. the courage, discipline and tenacity of this proud group of officers merits their place in policing history. --History by the Yard Website
The Sweeney is that rare and masterful book that informs and entertains from start to finish. --Joseph Wambaugh, author of The Choirboys
A meticulously researched docoment, full of colour and a fitting tribute to those who have served with the Squad over the years.
--Police Oracle Website
Biographie de l'auteur
Dick Kirby was born in the East End of London and joined the Metropolitan Police in 1967. Half of his twenty-six years service was spent with Scotland Yard s Serious Crime Squad and the Flying Squad. Kirby contributes to newspapers and magazines on a regular basis, as well as appearing on television and radio. The Guv nors was also published by Warncliffe Books and he has further other published works to his credit. In retirement he lives near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
