Winding north out of West Rainton, Marks Lane is a secluded country road used by dog walkers who want to avoid the busier streets of the town. Always unlit, on this particular night Mark’s Lane was only lit up as a vehicle passed. Just after 7.30pm, a passenger in a car noticed something on the verge.

Lying in a pool of blood, a man lay on the side, appearing to have suffered serious head injuries after what looked like a hit and run. When the ambulance arrived, he was found to be alive - but barely...

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Murdertown is a Crime+Investigation original podcast hosted by Benjamin Fitton, written and researched by Anna Priestland, with editing by Joel Porter, production by Kim Sergeant and is series produced by Sam Pearson.

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