By the time the first signs of dawn were breaking over the Suffolk countryside the police had set up road blocks on all major routes leading towards the east coast. Andrea was approaching Bury St. Edmunds when the blue flashing lights appeared ahead. Swearing under his breath he stamped on the brakes, pulled over into a lay-by and switched off the engine.

According to the map a series of narrow lanes to his right would lead him as far as Ipswich. Andrea was manoeuvring the heavy lorry slowly across the main road when the black Wolseley carrying the two detectives appeared at top speed.

“Watch out driver.”

But it was too late. Like it or not, a big accident was unavoidable.

DI Holmes could clearly see the look of panic on Andrea’s face as the two vehicles collided and, although not a religious man, he closed his eyes, gave up a small prayer and then counted to ten. When peace returned Andrea had already vacated the cab through the passenger door and was on the run.

Thanks to its hefty chassis the Wolseley, along with its three occupants, had survived the crash well, Bobby was unconscious but the driver was now wrapping him in a blanket and applying first aid. Meanwhile DI Holmes, battered and bruised but in one piece, was addressing the officers who had been manning the road block.

“This man has a gun and is extremely dangerous, but he can’t get far. Split into groups of three. Take the dogs, fan out and head towards The Saxhams. There is a helicopter on its way. We should have him by lunchtime.”

Andrea, having twisted his ankle badly whilst escaping the lorry was making slow progress, fighting against a bitter east wind. After half-an-hour he had only just reached the railway line and was currently seeking refuge in an old workman’s hut.

It was DI Holmes who found him. “Don’t move Mr. Carlo, or I shall shoot.”

The fugitive threw his gun onto the floor and put up his hands.

By coincidence, as the car carrying the two detectives and Andrea Carlo pulled up outside Vine Street police station, PC Bond and Larry were just leaving for Marylebone Magistrates Court. Larry sneered at Andrea and with his free hand punched him on the nose.

Later that afternoon Larry Manning was released on bail until early in the New Year. His sister promised the judge to look after him and together they returned by train to Farnham. They were about to enjoy the best Christmas they had ever had.

Detective Constable ‘Bobby’ Moore was now in Middlesex Hospital where he would spend the next twenty-four hours under observation. Jenny was at his bedside. On Christmas morning she drove them down to her parent’s house in the tatty Mini Cooper for lunch. Ten days later they got married.

David Holmes on the other hand volunteered for duty over the festive season. On the morning of 25 December he drove over to Wandsworth Prison where Andrea was being held and, after taking further statements, they had lunch together in the cell, talked fishing and then played chess until well after dark. At around midnight DC Holmes returned to the West End of London and knocked on the back door of the Coach and Horses.

Andrea never made it back to Switzerland. On Boxing Day 1965, while awaiting extradition, he stole a rope from the prison gymnasium and hanged himself.