The Arrest

The Drop Off

On 1st February the kidnappers called the McKay’s son, Ian, and told him to bring £500,000 to a crossroads on the A10. A policeman went in his place, but the kidnappers suspected a potential ambush and did not arrive at the meeting point.The 6th February became the new transaction date and the kidnappers insisted Alick and his daughter deliver the money in two suitcases. Detectives were to play the parts once again, with another hidden in the boot of the car.The McKay’s were to go by tube to Epping where they would receive a call, telling them to take a taxi to Bishops Stortford and to leave the money opposite a mini van near a garage, then they were to return to Epping. However, someone who knew nothing about the operation reported the suitcases to the local police.A Volvo had been spotted repeatedly driving past the cases and the number plate led the police to 34-year-old Arthur Hosein of Rook’s Farm in Stocking Pelham on the Hertfordshire/Essex border. Hosein's fingerprints matched those found on the ransom demands. Police scoured the farm for several weeks but could find no trace of Mrs McKay or of what had happened to her.Police were certain Muriel McKay was dead and charged the Hosein brothers with her murder.