‘Serial killer expert’ talk in Wrexham is cancelled amid ‘concern’ over ‘revelations’

A talk by a ‘serial killer expert’ who was due to appear in Wrexham later this year has been cancelled after doubt was cast over his credibility.

Paul Harrison was billed to give a ‘no-holds-barred’ account of the life of notorious US murderer Ted Bundy, who he claimed to have interviewed, at the William Aston Hall in October.

It followed a near capacity event at the same venue in April during which Mr Harrison discussed encounters with other notorious figures, including Rose West, Peter Sutcliffe and Charles Manson.

However, his latest talk in the town has been cancelled after a national newspaper published an article which disputes many of his stories, with promoters citing “unforeseen circumstances”.

In a post on the William Aston Hall’s Facebook page, they said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances the above show has had to be cancelled.

“Ticketing agents will be in contact shortly to arrange refunds.

“Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.”

The post did not give any reason for the cancellation but was published the day after The Sun wrote about Mr Harrison, who claims to have “worked closely” with the FBI’s Behavioural Science Unit in Quantico, Virginia during the 1980s.

According to the report, seven former FBI agents who worked there at the time have denied knowing who he was or that he would have interviewed some of the killers.

It also included a letter, said to be written by the Yorkshire Ripper himself, in which he said he had never met Mr Harrison and called him ‘a wazzock’.

Underneath the William Aston Hall’s post, some people who were due to attend the Wrexham event voiced frustration at the lack of explanation.

They also complained they had only been refunded the ticket cost, and not the booking fee.

One person who attended Mr Harrison’s first event in the town told us they were shocked by what had happened.

They said: “I really enjoyed the event in April and must admit I had no inkling he might have been making some of these stories up.

“There was quite a lot of detail in his talk, but perhaps in hindsight some of the information could have been gathered from elsewhere.

“We had originally planned to go to the Ted Bundy talk, but never got around to booking it.

“I’m quite glad we didn’t now.”

Since the newspaper article appeared, Mr Harrison has deleted his social media accounts and all others dates on his tour have been cancelled, however the Guardian have a copy of a now deleted Facebook post where they say Harrison wrote: “This monster is no longer mine, nor is it what I wanted it to be. I saw it as a tool to give victims a voice, everywhere, but because I’m weak and vulnerable and utterly useless at decision making I was introduced into sensationalising events by promoters who often sent out misleading blurb. Something I had to live up to. I’ve decided to call it a day for now. No more shows or interaction on social media … It seems I’ve let everyone down, I’m sorry for that.”

The publishers of the former policeman’s latest book, Mind Games, have also announced they will be pulling it from the shelves after expressing their surprise at the revelations.

In a statement, Urbane Publications said: “Like everyone who worked with Paul Harrison, the attendees to his talks and the readers of his books, we are very concerned by these revelations and are currently seeking clarification before deciding what further action to take.

“However, with immediate effect we will be withdrawing Mind Games from sale and endeavouring to remove all stock and details from every relevant retail channel.

“We will also be donating any profits we have secured thus far from the sales of Mind Games to charities that help and support victims of violent crime.”