Viewers of ITV's Stephen were disturbed by the extent of 'criminal' injustice shown during tonight's episode.
The three-part drama is based on the real-life events of Stephen Lawrence's murder - who was killed in a racially motivated attack in 1993.
The first episode aired tonight and takes place in 2006 when DCI Clive Driscoll, played in the show by Steve Coogan, picks up the investigation into Stephen Lawrence's killers after nobody had yet been convicted of the crime.
READ MORE: Who was Stephen Lawrence and what happened to him?
The Stephen Lawrence case is regarded as a landmark moment in UK history - as Stephen's parents' relentless campaign for justice prompted a public inquiry into the Metropolitan Police.
The Macpherson report has been described as 'one of the most important moments in the modern history of criminal justice in Britain' - as it branded the Metropolitan Police as 'institutionally racist'.
The first episode of tonight's show laid bare the extent of the criminal injustice in Stephen's investigation.
When DCI Clarke first discovers the case files, they are shown to be gathering dust, locked away in an old room - and the police didn't make any arrests in the original investigation until two weeks after the crime had been committed.
The original police reports also described the attack as 'brief' - but a harrowing re-enactment of the assault exposed just how brutal it really was.
And viewers of the show took to Twitter to express their anger at the injustice of the original investigation.
One user said: "15 minutes in & already a very hard watch, absolutely criminal for poor Stephen Lawrence & his loved ones"
Another added: "Watching #Stephen I know it's gonna make me so mad again. Stephen Lawrence you deserved so much better"
A third commented: "A disturbing watch....corruption / cover up of the truth... at what cost RIP Xxx"
A fourth posted: "This makes me so angry, the incompetence of the police is infuriating. Such a tragic waste of a beautiful life."
A fifth said: "I'm already filled with emotion, disgust, hatred, anger. This boy deserves justice."
Stephen continues next Monday at 9pm on ITV and ITVHub
Want to find out the latest news in your area? Enter your postcode on our In Your Area page here
