When the body of teenager Julie Ann Collins is found in the underground car park of a Hackney housing estate, probationer WPC Jane Tennison becomes immersed in her first murder investigation.
The team establish that Julie Ann was last seen getting into a red Jaguar. This leads them to Homerton Hospital Drug Unit where they interview receptionist, Teresa O'Duncie.
Jane plays the radio recordings to Bradfield, who diverts the whole team to carry out surveillance of the Bentleys, despite orders from his superior officer to stay focused on the murder case.
In the aftermath of explosion at bank vault, the police operation descends into pandemonium and panic. As Jane arrives at the scene, she is met with devastating news.