Running Scared is a six-part British television children's drama serial produced by the BBC and transmitted on BBC 1 between 15 January 1986 and 19 February 1986, based on the Bernard Ashley novel and set in Forest Gate and other parts of east London with the Woolwich Ferry featuring in a key scene. Running Scared deals with a teenage girl, Paula Prescott , whose life is put at risk when she uncovers evidence that could put a local criminal gang leader Charlie Elkin (played by Christopher Ellison) behind bars.