CANCELLED: Blackpool murder probe TV episode shelved due to '˜legal reasons'

ITV cameras have gone behind the scenes with Lancashire Police for the programme called The Detectives: Inside The Major Crimes Team.

Tonight’s first episode was due to put the spotlight on the investigation of the fatal stabbing of a Polish man on Central Drive.

Its airing ahead of the expected busy Easter period was heavily criticised by tourism bosses.

But ITV bosses have told The Gazette it has now been postponed due to unspecified legal reasons.

When pushed for an explanation, an ITV spokesman said he could not comment further but added it could be shown later during the mini-series, perhaps next week.

Another episode will be shown instead.

Ahead of the programme, Coun Graham Cain, Cabinet Secretary for Blackpool Council, said: “The decision to go ahead with the programme was made by Lancashire Police. While we recognise the magnificent work that the police do Blackpool Council chose not to cooperate with the production company simply because we believe that these sort of programmes do not add any value to a tourist resort.”

It comes after Channel 4’s 999: What’s Your Emergency? sparked outrage when it was shown during the 2012 Illuminations, and depicted Blackpool’s darker side.