The police tactical unit was trained to deal with all situations faced by police involving some kind of threat elevated above normal levels. Kelly was due to meet the ARU there so she could coordinate with the tactical unit for the duration of the raid. She was still the SIO, and this was her call, but tactical command could make suggestions. She had a positive relationship with all the tactical and armed response officers she’d worked with. They all wanted the same thing: to apprehend suspects without anyone getting hurt. It would be their job to clear the warehouse and secure the perimeter before the detectives went in.

She called Johnny, who didn’t answer. She had to try and keep her nerve and trust that he would have seen trouble coming and got everyone to safety. But Ted was physically weaker than the others, and it looked like it had happened very quickly. The videos showed hundreds of people running, seemingly caught off guard. Even Johnny might not have been prepared. She bit her lip and tried his number again; he still didn’t pick up.

‘The police officer’s dead.’ Tyrone read out breaking news as they sped through villages at high speed, with cars, lorries and caravans pulling over to let them past.

It was awful news, and sobering. A testimony to the anarchy created by Ormond’s selfishness and greed. Kelly had told the counter-corruption unit about the Preston depot cache, and knew that, as a matter of course, Ormond’s bank accounts would be scrutinised.

There was more footage being posted by the minute, and Tyrone showed Kelly the video of Sharon falling off a car. Where were Thomas and Millie? There was still no message from Ted, Johnny, Josie or Callum.

They reached the tactical unit HQ, and Kelly went inside. Rob waited in the car with Jackson and Tyrone. When she came out again, she nodded and got back into the vehicle.

‘I’ve called Sharon, she’s OK. She’s back at her flat.’ She turned to Jackson and Tyrone. ‘We’ll take you there and drop you. Don’t leave.’

‘Why can’t we come with you?’ Jackson asked.

‘You know the answer to that: this is a police raid and you’re civilians. It’s not safe, and it’s not procedure.’

‘Cuz your procedure has got you so far, ain’t it?’ Tyrone spoke up and everyone was shocked at his confidence, Jackson was the one who did the talking. Kelly dropped her head: he had a good point.

‘Alright. Let’s go,’ Kelly said. They watched as two armed response vehicles made ready and gave the thumbs-up.