Declan Lawn

Declan Lawn is a BAFTA-nominated Northern Irish screenwriter and director known for high-stakes, authentic storytelling. Alongside long-term creative partner Adam Patterson, he has become a leading voice in contemporary British and Irish drama. He is the co-creator, writer, and executive producer of the critically acclaimed BBC police drama Blue Lights.

Set in Belfast, the series has been praised for its visceral realism and nuanced portrayal of policing in a post-conflict society, leading to multiple season recommissions. Before moving into scripted drama, Lawn spent over a decade as an investigative journalist for BBC Panorama and BBC Spotlight. This background informs his focus on character-driven narratives that explore the intersection of real-world events, psychology, and the tension between truth and deception.

Based in Belfast, his credits also include the multi-award-winning short film Rough, the hit BBC drama The Salisbury Poisonings, and the psychological thriller Rogue Agent (Freegard).