Rachel Nickell’s son recalls chilling moment he realised mother had been murdered in front of him aged 2

The son of Wimbledon Common victim Rachel Nickell has opened up about the horrific moment his realised his mum had been murdered in front of him.

Alex Hanscombe was just two years old when killer Robert Napper stabbed his mother 49 times in 1992.

Recalling the haunting incident on today’s episode of Lorraine alongside his father Andre, he membered: ‘I stepped towards her and said, “get up mummy” and she didn’t respond. I said, “get up mummy” once again and she didn’t respond.

‘I said it for the third time, “get up mummy” and in a split second, no matter how young I was, I knew that my mother was gone and that she was never coming back.’

Fans were in awe of the interview and heaped praised on Alex.

‘I’m in tears seeing Alex all grown up & what a wonderful man he has become, Rachel would be so very proud of him & Andre,’ wrote one.

Alex Hanscombe (left) witnessed his mum’s murder as a child (Picture: ITV)

Rachel Nickell was killed in Wimbledon Common (Picture: ITV)

‘It’s great to see Alex is doing well. It takes real strength,’ added another. ‘I know exactly how this kinda thing haunts you for the rest of your life.’

Channel 4 is set to air a documentary looking into Nickell’s murder from Alex’s perspective tonight. It will also reveal the impact on the adults around him.

‘Months after Rachel’s death, Alex and his father Andre fled the country to escape the public gaze,’ a synopsis for the film reads. 

‘Now, for the first time, they return to the UK and to Wimbledon Common together. Alex revisits this period of his life as he meets key people from the time, some of them friends of the family and relatives, and other professionals involved in the case. 

More: Lorraine Kelly

‘While revisiting incredible trauma experienced by a young boy, we get to know Alex Hanscombe the man, offering hope that a life after unimaginable loss is possible.’

 Death on the Common: My Mother’s Murder airs tonight at 10pm on Channel 4 and Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am.

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