Who was Bulic Forsythe and how was the Lambeth Council employee murdered?
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A COUNCIL worker was murdered suspiciously back in 1993 after he reportedly spoke to colleagues about a suspected paedophile ring.
Here's everything you need to know about the horrific killing of Bulic Forsythe, which is featured in an episode of C4's In the Footsteps of Killers.
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The murder of Bulic Forsythe was featured in an episode of Crimewatch
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The Lambeth Council employee reportedly uncovered evidence of a child abuse ring
Credit: Mirrorpix
Who was Bulic Forsythe?
Bulic Forsythe was a senior manager in the housing department of Lambeth Council in south London, respected for his professionalism and commitment to his work.
At the time of his death in February 1993, he was responsible for building management within the council.
In the days leading up to his death, Bulic reportedly confided in a colleague that he had discovered evidence of a paedophile ring operating within Lambeth Council properties and was considering going public with the information.
A report published in July 2021 by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) found that Lambeth Council staff failed children in care and foster homes repeatedly from the 1960s.
Over a 40-year period, more than 700 children in the borough suffered sadistic sexual abuse.
Per Wandsworth Guardian, a police report into Bulic's death states: "The murder of Mr Forsythe remains unsolved.
"It was the subject of a recent review by the Metropolitan Police Service (Operation Redsnow), as a result of concerns that there was a connection between Mr Forsythe's employment at Lambeth Council and his murder, but no evidence of such a connection was found.
"At the very least, the murder of Mr Forsythe is likely to have caused concern and fear on the part of staff and councillors."
In 2015, Sky News reported how Bulic might have discovered that council property was being used to carry out this abhorrent abuse.
How was Bulic Forsythe murdered?
Bulic was killed in a suspicious manner — on February 26, 1993, his flat was set alight.
His body was subsequently discovered inside, with a post-mortem revealing his skull was fractured before the fire was started — indicating he was beaten to death prior to the arson attack.
Witnesses reported seeing three men leaving Bulic's flat carrying bags of documents and files shortly before the fire.
A witness who lived nearby and appeared on the BBC's Crimewatch said: "I was going over to the paper shop to buy a paper and I saw three men coming out of Foster Court around the front.
"They were carrying briefcases and some folders in their hands. Why I noticed them was because they looked official and I've never saw them here before."
Internal Lambeth Council reports and later investigations suggest that his murder may have been linked to his knowledge of, and intention to expose, a paedophile ring involving senior council staff.
These reports detailed shocking allegations of sexual abuse, including the use of council premises for the rape of women and children by senior officials.
Bulic was said to have told a colleague he was going to "spill the beans" about what he had discovered
Despite these serious allegations, the findings were not formally investigated by police at the time, with the case remaining unsolved.
The murder caused widespread fear among council staff, as it was seen as a warning to anyone who might ask too many questions or attempt to expose wrongdoing within the council.
In the Footsteps of Killers
A new investigation into the murder of Bulic Forsythe is featured in an episode of Channel 4's In the Footsteps of Killers.
Presented by Emilia Fox and leading criminologist Professor David Wilson, the show examines the circumstances around his death and the allegations of abuse within Lambeth Council.
Aiming to shed new light on one of London's most disturbing unsolved murders, the doc explores whether Bulic was killed because he was about to expose a network of abuse and corruption within Lambeth Council.
You can catch the episode of In the Footsteps of Killers featuring the murder of Bulic Forsythe at 10pm on Channel 4 on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
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'I spoke directly to each of the group leaders to ask whether they were responsible for providing it to the newspaper or had disclosed the information to someone else who may have done so,' Dunion said. 'They have all denied doing so, and there is no evidence which would make it appropriate for me to draw a conclusion. Was Councillor Day's alleged misconduct an 'open secret'? A 'commonplace expression' about the alleged behaviour by the former council leader - in particular allegations of approaches made, and images sent or sought - was that 'it is an open secret', and that 'everyone knew,' Dunion wrote in his report. 'However, it is clear from my investigation that is not the case. 'Some people are said to have experienced or known of this alleged behaviour; some were aware of rumours and believed them to be true; some were aware and believed them to be malicious and others were wholly unaware of the alleged behaviour. 'Some regarded the alleged behaviour as being somewhat reckless, but perhaps not surprising, giving rise to salacious, even amused, gossip. It has been suggested that it was common behaviour in the gay community, and to react with disapproval is narrow-minded. 'Others have reacted against this stereotyping of the gay community, saying if unsolicited images are sent and persistent unwanted requests are made this is a form of abuse, no matter the sexuality of those responsible. 'There are other instances which have apparently been reported up the management chain, such as alleged unwanted advances being made to junior staff but being treated as gossip, or concerns about a social relationship with a young member of staff being formed, but a procedural response taken, based around the narrow legal requirement for safeguarding.' Mr Dunion said if there can be said to be a culture within the council in respect of complaints relating to councillors 'it is at times one of 'What is expected to be done about it?' and even more so when it may involve the Council Leader'. 'This may be understandable, even if not sufficient.' Are safeguards sufficient to prevent inappropriate behaviour by councillors? He said if alleged behavior was regarded as relating to an individual's personal life there is 'an obvious reluctance by staff to disapprovingly question the council leader'. 'If material comes into the public domain which is seen as reputationally harmful politically and unbecoming of an office-holder, that may be regarded as matter for the political party, not council officers to address.' Even if there was a possibility the conduct related to their role as a councillor, for a sanction to be imposed it must be proved there was a breach of the Councillors' Code of Conduct through an investigation by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. This requires a formal public hearing to have been held, 'after what may be a lengthy investigation,' Dunion pointed out. 'The complainant would be expected to give a statement under oath and be subject to cross examination by the councillor complained of or their representative. 'Understandably it is not a course of action to be taken lightly.' 'If a councillor is seen as behaving inappropriately, then this might be taken up by senior staff with the Group Leader or Whip. Where, however, the complaint concerns the Council Leader and Group Leader then that is not an option.' Responding directly to the question in the remit of whether the safeguards in the council are sufficient to prevent behaviour such as that alleged in relation to Councillor Day occurring, Mr Dunion said: 'In short, the answer is no. Read more from our Edinburgh correspondent: 'There are none which could have an effect on the alleged communications with the public. There are none that could prevent the alleged personal, or online, communication with members of staff or councillors. 'However a better focus on a safeguarding response to unwanted or inappropriate behaviour, which increases the likelihood of it being made known and potentially challenged, either directly or by action taken to protect the affected individual, may help to prevent it occurring.' Did Councillor Day's position of power contribute to the hindering of reporting? Mr Dunion said it was 'reasonable to conclude that the positions held by Councillor Day had an effect upon complainants, and those made aware of complaints'. 'The complainant in 2018 made it clear that he was a vulnerable 15-year-old in 2010, when the alleged misconduct is said to have occurred. Even in 2018, he said he remained fearful of retaliation if the councillor concerned was made aware he was the complainant. 'In the December 2023 case raised with the chief executive, the Ukrainian individual was said to be concerned that, if he made a complaint, it might result in some response which would affect his visa status. 'There is no doubt there is a significant perceived power imbalance which inhibits complaints being made directly to the council about the alleged unwanted behaviour of the leader.' …And what about the 'alcohol-fuelled parties'? In an appendix to his report, Mr Dunion highlighted concerns about the drinking culture in the City Chambers where councillors sometimes hold parties, such as at Christmas, and informal gatherings after meetings. 'Several councillors and staff interviewed have commented adversely on this prevalent culture of hospitality, which can be taken to excess and have suggested that this practice cease completely,' he wrote. Mr Dunion said 'scarcely any interview' he conducted with councillors did not referenced these parties. 'Concerns raised from these parties result from them involving alcohol and not being formal. 'The behaviour complained of included allegations of public arguments and altercations, concerns about establishing the age of individuals being served alcohol, excessive drinking, drinks being taken into non-bookable rooms, and effects of alcohol on junior members of staff, as well as safeguarding concerns in that respect. 'By all accounts some staff and councillors at these events failed to meet the standards expected. 'A recommendation, arising from the concerns expressed to me, is that the Council considers the appropriateness of such social events and hospitality arrangements.'
