It’s almost nine years since 30-year-old Christian Bagley was murdered when he was walking next to the River Wye in Hereford on Sunday 21st June 2015.
There have been a number of appeals over the years, but Christian’s killer has never been found.
Back in 2022, CrimeStoppers put up a £20,000 reward for anonymous information on the murder of Christian.
A press release issued in 2022 said:
CrimeStoppers offered up to £20,000 for anonymous information on the murder of Hereford man Christian Bagley, when a fresh appeal for information was launched on the seventh anniversary of his death in 2022.
Christian was 30-years-old when he was stabbed in the arm and back as he walked home towards Hunderton Bridge in the city, along Villa Street in the direction of the river path and the Great Western Way ‘The Lines’.
This was at around 10.40pm on Sunday 21 June 2015. It was Father’s Day and he had been visiting his then 18-month-old daughter.
After being attacked and stabbed near the concrete steps leading to ‘The Lines’, Christian staggered to Charles Witts Avenue to get help.
Despite the emergency services being called, he sadly died from his injuries.
The blade used, thought to be a kitchen carving knife, remained embedded in his left arm. The handle of the knife snapped off during the attack and has never been found.
***A reward of up to £20,000 is available to anyone providing information directly to Crimestoppers which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this murder.***
To help with their investigations, police would also like to speak to the driver of an Audi vehicle seen at Sainsbury’s and ASDA, Hereford between 10:37pm and 10:50pm on Sunday 21 June 2015. They may have vital information.
Alan Edwards, Crimestoppers West Midlands Regional Manager:
“As we offer this reward and launch this appeal, our thoughts are very much with Christian’s family and friends. Despite his murder happening seven years ago, it’s still shocking that this happened and whoever was responsible is still out there, having evaded justice.
“As a charity that’s independent of the police, Crimestoppers is on the side of those who may know about crime but are often too scared or worried to speak up. Our independence and anonymity promise is key to so many people coming forward who would otherwise remain silent. We have kept our anonymity promise since our charity started decades ago.
“If you know who was responsible for Christian’s murder, this is your opportunity to do the right thing. When you call our charity’s Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or use our anonymous online form, nobody will know you contacted us, only you. Your information, however small, could make a difference. And remember, you stay 100% anonymous. Always. You could also be eligible for a reward.”
West Mercia Police also issued a renewed appeal on the seventh anniversary of Christian’s murder in 2022.
The press release issued by West Mercia Police said:
On the seventh anniversary of his death detectives investigating the murder of Christian Bagley are making a direct appeal to a potential witness, an Audi driver, to contact the investigation team.
Christian, who was 30 years old, was stabbed as he walked under the Hunderton Bridge in Hereford on Father’s Day, Sunday 21st June 2015.
At the time a murder investigation was launched and so far several people have been arrested and released without charge but officers have not given up the search for his killer.
As enquiries continue, officers are keen to speak to the driver of a dark-toned Audi A4 Avant B8 model, manufactured between 2008 and 2016.
The vehicle was seen driving between Sainsbury’s and ASDA between 10.37pm and 10:50pm on the night of Christian’s murder.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Leighton Harding, who is leading the investigation, said: “It has been seven years since Christian was fatally stabbed in Hereford and during this time we have continued to investigate his murder.
“However, despite our investigation making significant progress and several people arrested, to date, no-one has yet been brought to justice for his murder.
“I am absolutely committed to ensuring Christian’s family find out what happened to him on that fateful night and to bring those responsible for his murder to justice, which is why I’m making a further direct appeal today.
“We have viewed hours and hours of CCTV footage and have identified a vehicle that was seen travelling between Sainsbury’s and ASDA stores in Hereford between 10:37pm and 10:50pm on the night of Christian’s murder.
“The vehicle is believed to be a dark-toned Audi A4 Avant B8 model, manufactured between 2008 and 2016.
“At 10:37pm the vehicle travels along Eign Street from the direction of the A49 Victoria Street towards Sainsbury’s at Barton Place.
“The vehicle leaves shortly after and is seen again driving on and off the forecourt of nearby Shell Service Station at Whitecross Road.
“The vehicle travels back along Eign Street towards the A49 Victoria Street and is next seen again at 10:47pm pulling up on the main car park at ASDA, Belmont Road.”
“The male driver got out of the car and approached the entrance of the store, which was closed at that time. He is believed to have seen another person walking near to the store, who he may have spoken to briefly before returning to the vehicle and leaving.
“I want the driver of this vehicle to contact us or Crimestoppers as he may have significant information that could assist the investigation.
“I would like to offer my assurances to the driver that I do not in any way believe they were involved in Christian’s murder but may be a key witness and have information that can help with our investigation.
“I recognise that the passage of time presents difficulties for people being able to remember where they were and what they were doing, however, I hope that by releasing details of the Audi, CCTV footage of the movements and description of the driver’s activities at ASDA will help trigger their memory and cause them to contact the investigation team”.
To coincide with the anniversary of Christian’s murder Crimestoppers are offering a £20,000 reward.
DCI Harding added: “I know there will be people with information about Christian’s murder and understand they may not want to speak to police. If you have information about Christian’s murder please pass this on to Crimestoppers.
“Crimestoppers is an independent charity, separate from police, and is 100% anonymous. Police will never know the identity of anyone who contacts Crimestoppers.
“If the information provided to Crimestoppers leads to the arrest and conviction of Christian’s killer you could be eligible for a £20,000 reward.”
To provide information to the police, dial 101 quoting incident 717s of 21 June 2015. Alternatively, you can submit information online via the Police Major Incident Public Reporting Site, otherwise known as the MIPP (access here: Public Reporting Site).
This is a direct line into detectives investigating the murder.
