A harrowing new true crime drama on Netflix has left viewers devastated just hours after it was released.

Jordan Bolger as Andre Hanscombe

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Netflix fans ‘broken’ minutes into ‘harrowing’ true crime drama(Image: NETFLIX)

This horrific crime happened right here in the UK.

A new Netflix original based on a real-life murder that occurred in Wimbledon has been leaving viewers shocked in its opening minutes.

Released on the streaming platform this week (Thursday, 4th June), the three-part drama covers the fatal stabbing of Rachel Jane Nickell on Wimbledon Common in 1992.

After Rachel was brutally stabbed 49 times, her two-year-old son Alex remained the only witness, allowing her attacker to remain at large for years.

Based on Alex’s memoir Letting Go, this powerful series centres Rachel’s son (played by Jahsaiah Williams and Max Fincham) and partner, André (Jordan Bolger), as they struggle to comprehend with the overwhelming grief of losing her so suddenly.

Young man carrying a toddler in a hospital

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A two-year-old boy witnesses the horrific murder of his mother(Image: NETFLIX)

Through a richly drawn script by creator Rob Williams (The Victim), viewers are taken on a challenging journey of emotions as André and Alex live out their lives without Rachel (Eleanor Williams), a loss that leaves them rudderless.

Meanwhile, determined yet flawed lead detective Keith Pedder (Neil Maskell) uses an undercover female officer to try and entrap the police’s key suspect in a haphazard investigation exacerbated by pressure from his superiors and the British press.

A must-watch for anyone who was enthralled by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham’s Adolescence last year, The Witness is a sobering UK drama that has already sparked conversation just hours after its release on Netflix.

Netflix subscribers are also racing to watch the new series, but weren’t prepared for The Witness’ harrowing opening scenes.

One devastated X user wrote: “15 mins into #TheWitness on Netflix and I’m already broken.”

Someone else said: “The witness on Netflix, just started and ts already got me sad.”

Teenage boy in grey hoody carrying a skateboard on a street

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Max Fincham portrays Alex as a teenager(Image: NETFLIX)

“#TheWitness on Netflix will give you the chills,” another view warned.

Over on IMDB, an 8/10 review said: “Heart wrenching for a child to have gone through this.

“The team behind this production managed to capture it without getting into a b-grade police story melodrama, instead treating it sensibly and with respect to the victims. Will watch the documentary now that I’ve seen this compelling series…”

For those who want to know more about the case, a companion documentary, The Murder of Rachel Nickell, is also available.

The Witness is available to stream on Netflix.