mobileLoss of Evidence
In the doorway to these flats a fragment of a blood stained apron, matching that cut away from the fourth victim, Catherine Eddowes, was found. An anti-semetic message had been written on the back of it.
Rather than preserve this vital evidence, the police commissioner - despite pleadings from officers at the scene - removed the message, saying he was concerned it might inflame anti-jewish feelings.
No photograph or transcript was made of the message and hence there is much debate as to the actual text of it.
Did You Know?
During the 1800's two common types of criminals were mudlarks (who scavenged in the Thames mud) and lightermen (who stole silk and other valuable cargo from barges).