Twisted killer boiled body parts
New UK|February 06, 2023
Four decades ago drains blocked by rotting corpses exposed one of Britain’s most notorious mass murderers – Dennis Nilsen
GAIL SHORTLAND
Twisted killer boiled body parts

On 8 February 1983, a plumber arrived at a property in Muswell Hill, north London. Residents in the flats at 23 Cranley Gardens had complained of blocked drains. It was dusk when Michael Cattran took up the manhole cover outside and spotted what appeared to be a flesh-like substance and bone fragments.

One of the tenants, called Dennis Nilsen, commented that it looked as though someone had been “flushing their Kentucky Fried Chicken” down the toilet.

It was dark, so Michael arranged to return in the morning – unaware that he’d just spoken to a serial killer who’d been disposing of his victims’ body parts down the loo.

Dennis Andrew Nilsen, known as Des, was now just hours away from capture after a killing spree that began five years earlier, taking the lives of at least 12 young men and boys. The Muswell Hill Murderer was about to be exposed to the world.

Born in Fraserburgh, Scotland, Nilsen knew as a teen that he was gay, but felt ashamed and hid his sexuality. After joining the army he trained as a chef and served for 11 years.

One night, while based in Germany, he got drunk with a young German man and they passed out on the floor together. Although nothing sexual occurred, waking up next to the unconscious man triggered a chilling urge in Nilsen. He’d later cover his own body in talcum powder and look at himself in the mirror, imagining it was a dead body.

In 1972, Nilsen left the army and moved to London, where, incredibly, he spent a few months as a junior constable in the police force. He then became a supervisor at a job centre in Kentish Town.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW UKView all
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
New UK

TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT

Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
New UK

Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex

Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'The win changed our lives for the better'
New UK

'The win changed our lives for the better'

While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Struggling in silence
New UK

Struggling in silence

With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise

time-read
2 mins  |
November 18, 2024
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
New UK

"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"

MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
New UK

'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'

Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
New UK

'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life

This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
New UK

Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch

Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
New UK

Meghan fears Harry having to exit US

The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
New UK

'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'

Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024