Heartbreaking reason Silent Witness was pulled from BBC at last minute revealed

The BBC pulled the latest episode of Silent Witness from the schedule last night, leaving fans eager to watch the next instalment of the long-standing series confused

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Silent Witness fans were left baffled last night when the latest episode of the show disappeared.(Image: BBC)

Silent Witness fans were left baffled last night when the latest episode of the show disappeared shortly before it was about to air. Viewers had tuned in eagerly to watch the two-parter, titled The Enemy Within, which was due to be shown at 9pm on BBC One. However, at the last-minute, the show was switched for an episode later on in the series, causing widespread confusion for fans.

Taking to social media, one mused: “They’ve moved episode five to position episode three and four, so what was the original three and four?” Meanwhile, another asked: “Why is tonight’s #SilentWitness not the episode as advertised?”

However, after much debate on social media the BBC revealed that they had decided not to transmit the episode as planned due to a devastating machete attack in Birmingham, which, tragically, left one teenager with life-changing injuries.

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After much debate on social media the BBC revealed that they had decided not to transmit the Silent Witness episode as planned(Image: BBC)

The storyline of the pulled episode revolves around the forensics team investigating a fatal stabbing that seems to be racially motivated. As the investigation unfolds, the team uncovers evidence leading to a potential suspect. However, as they do so, racial tensions begin to escalate across the city.

Explaining their decision not to air the episode, a BBC spokesperson said: “Due to the attack in Birmingham over the weekend, this week’s episodes of Silent Witness will not transmit as planned and instead they have been replaced with two episodes from later on in the series.”

On Saturday evening, two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, were attacked with a machete outside a shop and rushed to hospital. Tragically, one suffered life-altering injuries while another 15-year-old was punched. The incident unfolded outside a shop, Boss Mart 3, on Stratford Road in south Birmingham at around 9pm.

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Blood had to be washed from the pavement following the tragic attack in Birmingham(Image: Birmingham Live)

Two boys were rushed to hospital by West Midlands Ambulance Service following the incident. Police say they believe this was a targeted attack.

The disorder also saw a third boy punched but he did not require hospital treatment, West Midlands Police have said. A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent.

Speaking to BirminghamLive, shop owner Maan Al Naif said a disturbance broke out outside the premises involving a group of young people. He said he locked the door to prevent anyone else from being hurt and later saw two teenagers injured outside the store.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We’ve arrested a teenage boy after three others were attacked in Shirley. We were called to the Stratford Road in Shirley at around 9pm yesterday. Two boys, aged 15 and 14, were taken to hospital with injuries which we believe were caused by a machete.

“Their injuries are not life-threatening but both remain in hospital for treatment. Another teenage boy, aged 15, was also assaulted after being punched but did not go to hospital.

“We’ve arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of wounding with intent. He remains in custody as we continue with our enquiries. We believe the attack was targeted and we’ll have extra officers in the area today to provide reassurance to the community.”

The pulled two-part episode, The Enemy Within, is now scheduled to air next Tuesday and Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One.