THE son of Peter Sutcliffe's first victim is to talk publicly about people's fascination with serial killers.

Richard McCann is part of a panel titled What's Our Obsession With True Crime? 

It will take place between 7pm and 8.30pm on Friday, September 29, for the Leeds International Festival of Ideas.

Mr McCann’s mother, 28-year-old Wilma, was murdered by Sutcliffe in 1975. 

A spokesperson for the What's Our Obsession With True Crime? event said: "Today's world sees us bombarded from every angle with increasingly shocking content - but what is it that leads so many of us to relish the portrayal of real-life horror from the comfort of our living rooms?

"Serial killers, criminals and kidnappers have all been the subject of on-screen dramas, as unspeakable acts become spectacles on our screens.

"This panel will explore our nation's morbid curiosity, asking why our collective fascination with true crime productions is driving ratings sky high.

"Is it the subversive conduct and motivations of extreme characters?

"Is it the failure of the police investigations?

"Should storytelling be more focused on the victims - or is there a line to be drawn?

"Richard will be pulling on his personal experiences during the talk."

For more information, visit www.leedsinternationalfestival.com/panel/whats-our-obsession-with-true-crime