Fifteen Years On: Survivors Share Harrowing Tales of the Cumbria Massacre – A Chronicle of Terror and Resilience

On June 2nd, 2010, the tranquil Cumbrian countryside was shattered by a wave of unimaginable violence perpetrated by taxi driver Derrick Bird. Fifteen years later, the scars remain deeply etched in the lives of those directly affected – survivors, families, and first responders – who are now bravely recounting their experiences of that horrific day. The massacre claimed the lives of twelve people and injured eleven more, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s psyche.

The events unfolded with chilling speed. Derrick Bird began his reign of terror early in the morning by murdering his twin brother, David, 11 times, in their farmhouse. He then targeted Kevin Commons, his solicitor, shooting him twice in the head as he waited for work outside his driveway. His rampage continued, targeting fellow taxi drivers – Darren Rewcastle, who was killed at a Whitehaven rank after being subjected to cruel taunts, and three others who survived with injuries. The investigation revealed a complex motive: Bird’s belief that his brother and Commons were conspiring against him in a tax fraud case.

The immediate response from Cumbria Police was chaotic yet determined. Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham, chairing a hastily assembled Gold Command structure at headquarters in Penrith, described the initial hours as ‘controlled pandemonium.’ Recognizing the urgency, officers scrambled to contain the situation, deploying firearms teams and utilizing helicopters against protocol to search for Bird across the vast rural landscape. The sheer scale of the emergency response was remarkable, with neighboring forces providing support and utilising the nearby Sellafield nuclear site’s armed officers.

Terry Kennedy, a passenger in Derrick Bird’s taxi on the morning of the shootings, provided a chilling account of the encounter. He recounts how he warned Emma Percival, a 19-year-old patient heading to a doctor’s appointment, about the potential threat posed by Bird. Bird’s actions were swift and brutal: he fired at Terry’s face, resulting in the amputation of his right hand – an injury that required extensive surgery and continues to impact his life. Emma Percival was also struck multiple times but survived thanks to her instinctive reaction, shielding herself with her hand.

Harry Berger, the landlord of The Woolpack Inn in Eskdale, had a particularly harrowing encounter with Bird when they faced each other at a single-width railway tunnel. Bird fired at him, resulting in the loss of two fingers on his right hand. “I thought ‘that’s a bit weird’,” Berger recalled, highlighting the unexpected nature of the attack. The incident underscored the randomness and unpredictability of Bird’s violence.

The final victim, Jane Robinson, was tragically killed while delivering Betterware catalogues in Seascale. Barrie Robinson, her identical twin sister, described Jane as a cheerful and active woman who loved animals and children. Witnesses reported that Jane simply walked over to speak with Bird, only to be shot dead within seconds.

Throughout the investigation, police struggled to understand Bird’s motives fully. An inquest later ruled that his actions were driven by a delusional belief that he was being framed for tax fraud and fuelled by a deep-seated anger and resentment. The event prompted widespread discussions about budget cuts within Cumbria Police and highlighted the challenges faced by rural law enforcement.

The impact on survivors has been profound, with many grappling with long-term trauma, nightmares, and physical disabilities. Terry Kennedy continues to live with the loss of his hand and is haunted by the memories of that day. Emma Percival carries the scars of her injuries both physically and emotionally. Harry Berger remains grateful for his survival, while Barrie Robinson mourns the loss of her sister and feels a sense of closure knowing Bird is dead. The events of June 2nd, 2010, serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the enduring resilience of those who have suffered its impact.