Bungling cops had vital evidence that should have snared killers 27 years ago

TWO critical witnesses in the Caroline Glachan murder trial gave bungling cops vital evidence that should have snared the killers 27 years ago.

- MARK MCGIVERN

Eye-witness statements by young mum Linda Dorrian and four-year-old Archie Wilson made clear what happened on the night of Caroline's death.

Linda saw the killers O'Brien, Brand and Kelly leave the downstairs flat below her own home at 12 Allan Crescent, Renton, where they had been babysitting on the night.

And she witnessed the murderers taking Archie and brother Jamie, two, towards the murder scene, where Archie witnessed the horrific attack, which he described at the time.

Linda gave a statement to police in 1996 that was not followed up.

She told the High Court in Glasgow how she spotted the brutal murderers leaving the flat on the fateful night, returning after the horrific deed was done.

After the Daily Record told Linda, 53, she was regarded as the "key witness", she blasted: "I'm very surprised to hear now that I'm the key witness.