Manhunt will see Martin Clunes play Sutton, the lead detective on the investigation into the 2004 murder of Amelie Delagrange, which was eventually linked to the murders of Marsha McDonnell and the abduction and murder of Milly Dowler.

Amanda 'Milly' Dowler, a 13-year-old schoolgirl, was reported missing in March 2002, before her remains were found six months later in a woodland, while Marsha McDonnell died after being attacked near her home in London.

Sutton was assigned to the case, even though he was fairly inexperienced in murder investigations. He never ruled out similarities to the murders of Marsha McDonnell and Milly Dowler, despite his superior officers refusing to make the connection.

He had little evidence, but his painstaking approach and the diligence of his fellow officers gradually led to breakthroughs in the case. 

ITV's Head of Drama Polly Hill said: “With the full co-operation of ex DCI Colin Sutton, Manhunt dramatises his fight to find Amelie's killer, Levi Bellfield. It is a powerful, compelling script which illustrates how a dedicated and resilient police officer was determined to leave no stone unturned. I am delighted that Martin Clunes is to play Colin Sutton, in what will be a powerful and unmissable performance.”

Written by Silent Witness's Ed Whitmore, Manhunt will begin filming in London in March 2018.