Case File
3
The Drowning at Top-of-Slate
Arthur Bell, a quiet 32-year-old Haslingden mill worker, is found drowned in the dark waters of Slate Lodge Quarry. At first, his death appears to be a sad accident or possibly suicide, brought on by grief after the recent loss of his mother.
11:14 PM - 4th September
Witness describes hearing two men arguing close to Higher Lane.
10:33 AM - 6th September
Frederick Heys, foreman of Spring Vale Mill sends Charles Enfield to the local police station in Haslingden to inform them of Arthur being missing.
12:22 PM
The body of Arthur Bell is discovered in the lodge at Top-of-Slate.
12:55 PM
Detective Sergeant Edmund Cryer arrives at the scene accompanied by Detective Constable Mallory and four police constables from the Lancashire Constabulary.
1:18 PM
Doctor Marshall arrives and confirms life extinct. The body is taken to the mortuary to await postmortem.
2:15 PM
Cryer and Mallory visit the public houses in Haslingden enquiring about the final movements of Arthur Bell.
10:33 AM - 7th September
Samuel Atherton is taken in for questioning.
1:03 PM
Cryer and Mallory visit the morgue to view the possessions found at the lodge and belonging to Arthur Bell.
A coat. Watch chain. Purse. Boots. A few damp coins recovered from his pocket.
2:42 PM
A search of Samuel's house uncovers a ring and handkerchief.
3:46 PM
Samuel Atherton is questioned further. He is then shortly after charged with the wilful murder of Arthur Bell.
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The Strange Quarry Mystery of Arthur Bell | An Edmund Cryer Mystery
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