Viv Graham

THE murder of gangster Viv Graham in 1993 remains one of Tyneside's most famous unsolved crimes.

Graham, who controlled doormen patrolling Newcastle's pubs and clubs, was shot to death in North Tyneside on New Year's Eve 1993.

More than 1,000 people were interviewed over the murder, 500 homes were visited and hundreds of statements taken, but no one has been charged in connection with his death. Five men were held and questioned on suspicion of conspiracy, but were later released.

Graham’s killers shot him three times with a Magnum handgun before escaping in a car which was later found burned out. Graham was left bleeding to death as he dragged himself 30 yards to get help before collapsing.

Timetable of events leading up to the shooting:

Viv Graham spent New Year's Eve morning at home in Appletree Gardens, Walkerville, visited his parents in Rowlands Gill, and returned home in his Ford Sierra Cosworth.

2.15pm: Several friends gathered at his home to offer New Year greetings. He then went to the home of his girlfriend's parents.

4.15pm: He drove to Wallsend High Street, where he spent time with friends at The Anchor and Queen's Head.

6.05pm: He left the Queen's Head and walked back to his car in Border Road, stopping to buy dog food from a shop on the way.

6.10pm: Three bullets are fired into him at close range from a blue Ford Escort.

6.15pm: He staggers back to the High Street, bleeding heavily from a groin wound, and collapses outside a shop.

10.20pm: Viv Graham dies at North Tyneside General Hospital with his fiancee and his father at his bedside.

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