Age: 44
Sex: male
Date: 28 Jul 1987
Place: Devonshire Way, Shirley
Alan Holmes was found dead at his home in Devonshire Way, Shirley on Tuesday 28 July 1987.
There were said to have been mysterious circumstances around his death although he was said to have committed suicide.
He had been an acquaintance of Daniel Morgan who was murdered on 10 March 1987. They were said to have been working together on unveiling police corruption at the time.
He had been a detective constable and had been known as Taffy.
At the time of his death he had been being quizzed over allegations of corruption against a fellow officer by Scotland Yard's Complaints Investigation Bureau.
It was claimed that a South London prisoner arrested on drugs charges had named several policemen, including a top-ranking officer, as having accepted bribes.
However, Scotland Yard said that although he had been interviewed by the CIB, he had not been under suspicion himself.
He had joined the Metropolitan Police in 1959 and had been commended for his work several times.
Whilst in the Flying Squad he had been part of the team that had investigated the Brinks Mat Gold bullion robbery in which £25m worth of gold was stolen.
The Brinks Mat Gold bullion robbery itself is noted for having a large number of people connected with it having died under mysterious circumstances.
The investigation against him came to a head in June 1987 when detectives brought him back from Spain, only to find the case discharged through lack of evidence.
His last post had been with the serious organised crime squad based in Tottenham Court Road.
His body was found by his wife.
A shotgun was found lying by his side.
His post mortem examination established that his cause of death was a shotgun wound to the heart.
The police said that they were not seeking anyone else in connection with the shooting.
He had had two sons.
He was noted for having been a member of the Bow Street Fudgers marbles team who had been runners up in the world championships held at Tinsley Green in Sussex in 1980.
see www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
see Croydon Advertiser and East Surrey Reporter - Friday 31 July 1987