The journalist who broke the story of the world’s first test tube baby has died aged 74.

Harry Pugh beat the world’s media to the punch when he broke the news of Louise Brown’s birth in Oldham in 1978.

The experienced reporter worked for the Cambrian News in West Wales before embarking on a lengthy career with Express Newspapers’ national titles, in Manchester.

He was known for his extensive research and wrote much background copy on the Moors Murderers.

He also worked for Illustrated magazine, in London, specialising in photojournalism.

After leaving journalism full-time Harry worked as a freelance reporter based in Herefordshire where he enjoyed country living, in particular rambling, and wrote non-fiction books.

One of them, ‘Wild Justice’, was about the fight for justice by 16-year-old Lynn Siddons’ family.

The teenager was murdered in Derbyshire in 1978 but a conviction was only brought after her family took a civil action.

He later moved to Leek, in Staffordshire, with his wife Barbara to be nearer their children and grandchildren.

He died on September 11 after battling a brain tumour diagnosed earlier this year.

Comments

Ninian Reid (25/09/2008 08:19:40)
A legendary reporter whose famous byline will remain etched in the memory so long as there are newspapers to be read.

Phil Davies (25/09/2008 21:09:13)
I knew Harry. One of the old
school. Only three of us left now. Goodbye to a great, great man.