Blue Lights is back with new episodes, and series 3 once again centres around organised crime, its effect on Belfast and the teams who police it – and this time they are “going after the bastards who killed Gerry Cliff”.

Fans of the series will remember the character who played a crucial role in series 1. You’ll also recall the criminal gang who cruelly took his life away. Frankly, we’re still not over it. And the police response team certainly aren’t either.

As Blue Lights revisits the case, here’s everything you need to know about Gerry Cliff, his killers, and what happened to them.

***Warning: spoilers from Blue Lights series 1 ahead***

Who was Gerry Cliff in Blue Lights?

Sergeant Gerry Cliff appeared in Blue Lights series 1, and was easily the most beloved character amidst a bunch of ridiculously likeable people. That was thanks largely to the twinkly-eyed actor Richard Dormer, who played him.

Veteran officer Gerry became a mentor to the show’s rookie officers at Blackthorn Station, especially Tommy (Nathan Braniff), and Jen Robinson (Hannah McClean). He was popular with his colleagues for being able to break the tension of their tough jobs with a witty one-liners and charm. He didn’t take life too seriously, and had seen it all. His relationship with Sandra (Andi Osho) made us feel gushy inside even before Grace and Stevie’s will-they-won’t-they romance.

But tragically, Gerry was not destined to survive the first series.

Who killed Gerry Cliff in Blue Lights?

Tragically, Gerry died in the second half of the first series, in what started off as a routine investigation following a tip about Dublin registration plates in the area.

However, the Sergeant interrupted an illegal drug-for-arms deal involving the Mclntyre gang. In a devastating turn, gang member Sully shot Gerry multiple times. The fan-favourite died of a gunshot wound shortly after.

He died in the arms of his colleague Jen Robinson, who was left traumatised by the ordeal – and subsequently left the force.

His death left a profound impact on the viewers and his fellow police officers alike. In the aftermath, his widow Sandra considered leaving the police station throughout series 2, but thankfully decided to stay.

Gerry’s actual killer, Sully, worked for the McIntyre family. Officer Jen shot and killed the local gangster in retaliation.

Who is Mo McIntyre, and what’s the history of his family?

Blue Lights series 1 introduced rookie cops Annie, Tommy, and Grace. They were plunged into the deep end when they had to deal with the dangerous McIntyre criminal gang. The McIntyre’s were involved in various criminal activities, including paramilitary activity, drugs, arms, intimidation, and violence.

The police came up against the powerful and lawless McIntyre family, leading to a dangerous environment for the new constables. Poor Annie was subjected to death threats, which put her and her family at risk. She was forced to leave home for the safety of everyone.

The McIntyre family was led by patriarch James, with his son Mo acting as one of his henchmen. James’ wife Tina was in it up to her neck as well.

At the start of the final episode of series 1, Mo found out some shocking news about his dad. James was actually a police informant. He’d been working with the secret services since 1998, providing information to secure his family’s safety.

Who are the Ginleys in the BBC crime drama?

It turned out that the so-called ‘sneaky beakies’ – undercover intelligence operatives – were after much bigger fish than the McIntyres. They wanted to close down the Ginley family, a major crime multi-national organisation. Not just in Belfast, but globally.

The agents discovered that Mo was planning to do a deal with the Ginleys, trading guns for money and cocaine. MI5 agent Joseph had offered James McIntyre an “out” for his cooperation in letting the deal go ahead so they could track the gun, leading them to the “bigger prize” of the Ginleys.

Although, Joseph had promised James and Mo protection, they were eventually arrested. They are currently on remand for their part in Gerry’s murder. Mo was present with Gerry was murdered, and he and his dad James were charged with joint enterprise murder.

In the final episode of series 1, it was implied that Tina would continue as a police informant in replace of her husband James. Both Tina McIntyre and the Ginleys appear in the upcoming Blue Lights series 3.

‘In memory of Constable Gerry Cliff’

Eagle-eyed Blue Lights viewers will know that Gerry Cliffs on in the hearts and minds of his former colleagues.

And there’s a constant reminder of him in the entrance to the PSNI station, too.

On the wall, there’s now a plaque reading: “In memory of Constable Gerry Cliff, 1969-2023, Police Service of Northern Ireland. Who dedicated his life to protect us.”

Gulp.

Read more: All the celebrities targeted in the phone hacking scandal, as seen on The Hack on ITV

Blue Lights series 3 lands on BBC One on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 9pm on BBC One, and as a boxset on BBC iPlayer.