Hungerford massacre: who was Michael Ryan and what did he do?
THE Hungerford Massacre was a crime that sent shock waves across Britain in 1987.
The horrific crime led to changes in the UK’s gun laws.
Who was Michael Robert Ryan?
Michael Robert Ryan was born on May 18, 1960, in Wiltshire.
He was the only child of Alfred and Dorothy Ryan.
Alfred worked for a local government agency as a building inspector and died from cancer in 1985 at the age of 80.
His mother Dorothy was 19 years younger than Alfred and worked as a school dinner lady, later joining Elcot Park Hospital as a waitress.
On April 7, 1987, Ryan began working as a labourer for a Government scheme working on footpaths and fences near the River Thames approximately 20 miles (32 km) from Hungerford.
However, he left the job on July 9, 1987, and returned to claiming unemployment benefits.
When was the Hungerford massacre and what did Michael Ryan do?
The Hungerford massacre took place on August 19, 1987, when Michael killed 16 people.
It took place in Hungerford, Berkshire, and the Savernake Forest, Wiltshire.
To carry out the attack, Michael used a semi-automatic rifle, an M1 Carbine and Beretta Pistol
It was one of the worst mass shootings in British history and prompted the government to change gun laws.
Margaret Thatcher, who was the Prime Minister at the time, visited Hungerford on August 20, 1987, to pay her condolences.
The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 was passed following a report that had been commissioned by Home Secretary Douglas Hurd.
This act banned:
- Semi-automatic and pump action riles
- Weapons which fire explosive ammunition
- Short shotguns with magazines
- Elevated pump-action and self-loading rifles
Shotguns had to be registered and kept in secure storage.
Who were the Hungerford massacre victims and how many died?
Ryan’s victims included his mother and police officer Roger Brereton.
Brereton was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.
He also injured 15 people in the horrific attack before he turned the gun on himself.
On the morning of August 19, 1987, Ryan drove to Savernake Forest, Wiltshire. where Susan Godfrey , from Reading, was picnicking with her children.
Armed Ryan took Susan into the forest and shot her dead. The children were unharmed.
He then drove to Golden Arrow petrol station near Froxfield where he shot at the cashier from the forecourt.
Having entered the shop he then tried to shoot her at close-range but the gun jammed.
Ryan then drove to his home in Hungerford and shot dead his two dogs.
After setting his home on fire, he left on foot.
He shot his neighbours Roland and Sheila Mason in their home.
The gunman then shot Lisa Mildenhall, 14, in the legs. She survived.
He also wounded Marjorie Jackson.
Ryan killed Kenneth Clements as he was walking his dog.
By this time the first police had arrived and were unarmed.
He shot PC Roger Brereton in the chest with the Beretta.
He then shot Linda Chapman and her daughter Alison who were in their car. They survived.
He then opened fire on Linda Bright and Hazel Haslett, but they escaped serious injury.
His next victim was George White, who was driving Marjorie’s husband, Ivor, home.
Ivor survived his injuries.
Abdul Rahman Khan was killed in his garden.
Ryan’s mother, Dorothy, was shot close to her home in South View during which she pleaded with him to stop the shooting.
He then continued his spree, killing Francis Butler while he was walking his dog in the Memorial Gardens.
Taxi driver Marcus “Barney” Bernard was killed as he was driving home.
Douglas Wainwright was killed as he and his wife, Kathleen, were driving to visit their son.
Eric Vardy was shot dead as he was driving his van and Sandra Hill died as she was driving.
Jack and Myrtle Gibbs were shot at in their home in Priory Road.
Jack died instantly and Myrtle passed away two days later.
Ian Playle died as he was driving to Hungerford with his wife and children.
The killing spree ended when Ryan took his own life at 6.52pm at John O’Gaunt Community Technology College.
He had killed sixteen people.