Bradford Through the Lens looks back at 1981 murder of James Adams

Bradford Through the Lens has looked at the murder of James ‘Jimmy’ Adams, who was killed after leaving the New Beehive pub in 1981.

Riaz Ahmed – who runs the channel alongside friend Imtiaz Sabir and local historians Mark Nicholson and Andrew Bolt – visited Mr Adams’ former home, his place of work, the scene of his murder and his grave in a bid to jog people’s memories of the fateful night.

Former Telegraph & Argus vendor Mr Adams, who was 46, finished his shift at the New Beehive and left just after midnight. He stopped at some public toilets, at the junction of Carlisle Road and Bavaria Place, and a man was then seen following him into the darkness.

Witnesses heard screams and then bravely chased after the killer, but to this day, he has never been identified.

“It was quite a horrid murder,” said Riaz, 55.

“I remember it when I was a youngster. It was quite spooky. Shortly after, the toilets were closed.”

An appeal issued at the time (Image: File)

Witnesses told detectives that the killer wore distinctive glasses and looked like the American country singer John Denver.

New DNA evidence was found in 2003 – 22 years later – and the case was re-opened.

The Telegraph & Argus contacted West Yorkshire Police yesterday, and the force confirmed that the case remains open and unsolved.

A spokesperson said: “West Yorkshire Police never files or closes undetected serious offences until they are solved, and the case will be periodically reviewed with other unsolved offences to see if there are possibilities for new lines of enquiry.

“Our focus remains on the victim and their family and seeking justice for them.”

READ MORE: Cold Case Files: Killer of James 'Jimmy' Adams left a mile-long trail of his own blood

Riaz added: “People have been really taken by our true crime stuff, so we want to do more.

“I’m fascinated by true crime, but we have to ensure it’s done with respect and we don’t offend people.”

Mr Adams' grave (Image: Riaz Ahmed/Bradford Through the Lens)

Riaz received a message from friends of Mr Adams this week, who asked him to share the location of his grave.

“It wasn’t well-maintained, I had to contact the Council to find it,” he said.

“But it’s a good thing his friends got in touch – it shows the power of stuff like this.

“It also shows that it doesn’t matter what colour or background you are – it’s an unusual way of bringing people together, but I always like to do things differently.”

To watch the video, click here.