Cardiff taxi driver John Armstrong’s killer still not found almost 50 years on

When cabbie John Armstrong radioed in to confirm he had picked up a fare from a pub, it was to be the last time anyone heard from him.

It was 5 October 1979, and just hours later his blood-stained taxi was found on Treoes Lane, Treoes, near Bridgend’s Waterton industrial estate.

Three days later Armstrong’s body was found 11 miles (17km) away on Cowbridge Common.

Hundreds of statements were taken by detectives investigating the murder of the 58-year-old, known as Jack, but Armstrong’s killer was never found.

Forty-seven years on police are reviewing the case and are now appealing for new information, something they have done previously in 2020 and in 2003.

Armstrong’s final customer, perhaps the last person to see him alive, was picked up in Fairwater, Cardiff.

Police said exhibits had been re-examined and witnesses spoken to in the hope detectives might find the killer.

Det Ch Insp Matt Davies said Armstrong’s daughter, Jean, had died without seeing justice for her father.

Davies added: “Despite the passage of time since Mr Armstrong’s death, we remain as committed as ever to bring justice for Jack and his family.

“If the killer is still alive then they are living with the knowledge of what they did for almost 47 years.

“I’d appeal to anyone who believes they know the identity of the killer to do the right thing and come forward.”

Back in 2020, police said it was hoped advances in forensic sciences and technology would provide a new line of enquiry.

At the time, Det Ch Insp Patrick Catto said it was “likely” someone knew who was responsible, adding “people’s loyalties change”.

“Keeping such a secret will have been a heavy burden – it’s time to do the right thing,” he said.