Original version

BBC World Service News Internet

Witness History

Podcasts

Factual: Life Stories

Factual: History

History as told by the people who were there

History as told by the people who were there.

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC World Service East Asia

Witness History: The IRA siege at Balcombe Street

Documentaries

balcombe st photo CROPPED.jpg

10/12/2019 GMT

The IRA siege at Balcombe Street

BBC World Service - Witness History, The IRA siege at Balcombe Street

In December 1975, the IRA took a middle-aged couple hostage in Central London.

In December 1975, the IRA took a middle-aged couple hostage in Central London, starting a six-day siege which gripped the nation.

In December 1975, four members of one of the IRA’s deadliest units were chased by police through the streets of London before hiding out in a small flat owned by a middle-aged couple called John and Sheila Matthews. The resulting six-day siege was covered live on television and radio, and gripped Britain. It ended when Metropolitan Police negotiators persuaded the gunmen to leave the flat peacefully. Simon Watts talks to Steven Moysey, the author of the book and audiobook, The Road to Balcombe Street.

(Photo: Police surrounding the flat in Balcombe Street. Credit: Press Association)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Witness History

The IRA siege at Balcombe Street

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service News Internet

About BBC World Service