A story to be screened in October will see an eight-year-old girl killed by an older child. According to the Daily Star, the plot is similar to the murder of Bulger 15 years ago.
No details about how the girl dies in The Bill have been revealed.
A source commented: "Viewers may think it is the most shocking storyline of our 24-year history, and many here will undoubtedly agree.
"We know this will be a very sensitive and upsetting storyline, but in today’s society it will raise many valid issues.
"The attack will be quite brutal, but it will be handled so as not to cause too much distress. There will also be a warning to viewers."
A spokesperson for the show insisted that a team of researchers had consulted with various experts to ensure the story was presented in a "well-informed way".
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