Halloween night in Fred West's police cell criticised as tasteless

The organisers of a Halloween charity event billed as a chance to spend a night in a police cell once occupied by the serial killer Fred West have been criticised for glorifying a notorious murderer.

People will be charged £75 to stay in the cells and take part in a “ghost-hunting mission” at the Steelhouse Lane Lock-up in Birmingham, which is owned by West Midlands police.

The advert for the event described it a “unique opportunity” and added: “These cells were occupied by none other than the original Peaky Blinders, Fred West and many more. Be there if you dare!”

It continued: “You are purchasing an authentic night in the Victorian cell block – sleeping arrangements will be in individual cells, each of which will accommodate two people. Please note cells are approx. 12ft x 12ft.

“Cells will either have an elevated single wooden bench or a floor level wooden platform, both are suitable for sleeping on … Each cell does have a working toilet however this is within the cell and screens are not provided.”

West is known to have killed at least 12 young women between the 1960s and 1980s.

The event includes “tales from the cells” presented by West Midlands Police Museum volunteers followed by “ghost-hunting activities”.

There has been a good takeup on the offer, including from people raising money for causes such as a charity for the families of police officers who lost their lives. The admission fees are being donated to another charity.

However, the tone of the advert and event attracted criticism.

Luciano Pollichieni, a researcher at the centre for conflict security and terrorism at the University of Nottingham, called for the event to be cancelled. He said: “It is disrespectful and futile. In the context in which the population is increasingly sceptical about police work and crime and criminals increasingly fascinate the youth what kind of message will it send?”

Victoria Sanderson, 45, of Edgbaston, Birmingham, said: “It’s highly insensitive to the victims [of West] and their families.”

The event is not being organised by the police and the advert was not drafted by the force. The police said on Tuesday the promoter would stop using Fred West’s name to promote the night.

A spokesperson said the event was raising money for a charity that campaigns against modern slavery. The spokesperson said: “Steelhouse Lane is where Fred West was held in custody in the 90s and his name was used alongside the Peaky Blinders to promote this worthy cause.

“On reflection, the organiser of the event has agreed that using his name was insensitive and has therefore removed it from any advertising of this event.”