These are the eerie photos of bloody crime scenes in the 20th century, which have now appeared in colour for the first time.

News photographer Arthur Fellig was known for his poignant black and white snaps of unflinching crime scenes in and around New York City in the 20th century.

Some of his most fascinating snaps include one of a bloodied couple lying lifeless in a bed, the bodies of Robert Green and Jacob Jagendorf after a failed robbery attempt and a murder victim with a chalk outline drawn around him.

Robert Green and Jacob Jagendorf fell during a bungled robbery attempt in 1915 (Picture: Frederic Duriez / mediadrumworld.com)

Now these original pictures have been painstakingly adapted and shown in colour for the first time.




Frederic Duriez, 52, has given new perspectives to the gruesome crime scenes.

The graphic artist, from Angres, northern France, carefully edited each of the images, bringing them to life.

The photographer revolutionized photojournalism with his stark portraits of urban crime scenes, such as many in bedrooms (Picture: Frederic Duriez / mediadrumworld.com)

This haunting photo of a bloodied couple lying dead in bed was titled ‘Double Homicide, taken in New York’ and taken in June 1915 (Picture: Frederic Duriez / mediadrumworld.com)

Photographers used special tripods with cameras suspended above the victim to get overhead shots – this man was shot to the head (Picture: Frederic Duriez / mediadrumworld.com)

‘I think that it’s is a haunting collection of crime scene photographs never meant to be seen by the public in colour,’ the artist said.

‘I like how picture was taken. Just above the character.

‘This increases the dramatic side of the scene.’

Antonio Pemear was killed in his own home in New York City (Picture: Frederic Duriez / mediadrumworld)

Mr Fellig worked closely with the emergency services and joined them on grim investigations (Picture: Frederic Duriez / mediadrumworld.com)

Mr Fellig worked closely with the emergency services and joined them on grim investigations.

He also published photographic books and made short films for the cinema during his colourful career.

He often used the alias Weegee, a name he claims he chose but others believe was given to him by emergency services.

The photographer died in New York City, aged 69 in 1968.

The photographs capture the rapidly changing city that New York was in the decade (Photo: Frederic Duriez / mediadrumworld)

Facebook users have since shared their awe at the snaps, which until recently only existed in black and white.

‘That’s really smart. I’m engrossed,’ one person said.

Another added: ‘It’s really incredible.’

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