Friday, 1 April 2022

 

IOPC close to decision on re-opening of investigation into the MPS handling of the Barking & Dagenham murders


We have received an update from the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) regarding their investigation into the handling of the deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor. 

They have been considering re-opening their investigation in the light of the coroner's inquest that completed last December.  The LGBT+ Advisory Group has written to the IOPC in support of further investigation if new evidence has emerged from the coroner's inquest. 

The team has completed their initial assessment. The assessment report will be sent to the relevant decision makers by the end of this week. They expect a decision to be made by Monday 21st March. 

Because of this possible extension to their investigation, the IOPC have not made public their learning report and recommendations on this case. 



[Update/1 April 2022]

We have been informed that the "Initial Assessment" is complete and concluded there is "potential significant new information and potential material flaws in the original IPCC investigation". The IOPC is moving on to the next phase of "Review". 

A new team leader and lead investigator have been appointed. They will assess whether it is necessary to consult with affected parties. The new team will then report to the regional director for a "Final Decision".

We were not given a timeframe for the conclusion of these final phases.