WATCH: First trailer for Belfast-set BBC thriller Bloodlands is released

The gripping first trailer for the BBC’s upcoming crime drama Bloodlands has been released, set in Northern Ireland and starring James Nesbitt.

Bloodlands is executive produced by Jed Mecrurio, the writer and producer best known for hit BBC police drama Line of Duty.

The miniseries will feature Cold Feet actor Nesbitt as an Irish detective tasked with tracking down an evasive serial killer who goes by the name of Goliath.

In the short trailer, we see Tom Brannick (Nesbitt) reopen a decades-old investigation into the killer, who he later reveals murdered his wife.

Michael Smiley (Luther) features alongside Nesbitt in the series, as well as a supporting cast that includes Ian McElhinney (Derry Girls), Lisa Dwan (Top Boy) and Lorcan Cranitch (Rome).

Written by Chris Brandon, an air date has not yet been announced for the riveting new show.

The show's official synopsis reads:

“When a car containing a possible suicide note is pulled out of Strangford Lough, Northern Irish police detective Tom Brannick (Nesbitt) quickly connects it to an infamous cold case with enormous personal significance.

“Bloodlands follows his hunt for the legendary assassin known as ‘Goliath’, an explosive cat-and-mouse game where the stakes have never been higher.”

Line of Duty is also expected to return for its sixth series this year, with reports suggesting it will start airing on BBC One no later than March.

Watch the explosive trailer for Bloodlands below: