THE Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has started an investigation into the contact West Mercia Police had with Droitwich boy Alfie Steele, his mother and her partner, before his murder.
This follows the watchdogs’ assessment of a mandatory referral from the force after criminal proceedings finished last month.
Dirk Howell was found guilty of murder and Carla Scott of manslaughter after nine-year-old Alfie died by drowning in the bath at his home in February 2021.
The IOPC said Howell and Scott had contact with West Mercia Police on several occasions in the years before Alfie’s murder.
The investigation will consider the actions and decisions of the force and will focus on their response to concerns about Alfie’s welfare.
The watchdog will be reviewing many documents requested from West Mercia Police, including police logs, witness statements and relevant local policies.
And it will look into if anyone serving with the force may have behaved in a manner which would justify disciplinary proceedings.
IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “First and foremost, my thoughts and sympathies go to Alfie’s family and friends and everyone who has understandably been left shocked and saddened by his death.
“I have recently discussed the referral with West Mercia Police, which followed the level of public concern raised by the trial of Alfie’s mother and her partner.
“Our investigation will be thorough and completely independent of the police.
“In examining the force’s response to the series of reports, we will be considering whether there is any organisational learning for West Mercia Police and if any change in policy or practice might help to prevent the awful circumstances of Alfie’s death from happening again.”
A Child Safeguarding Practice Review is already under way about Alfie Steele looking at the role and involvement of several agencies.
Last month, after West Mercia Police referred itself to the IOPC, acting Deputy Chief Constable Richard Cooper said: “West Mercia Police is committed to ensuring we are transparent and where necessary appropriate scrutiny is applied.
“This includes taking into consideration the view of the IOPC, and on that basis, to ensure an independent assessment, a referral has now been made to the IOPC.
“We, of course, remain committed to engaging with the independent Children’s Safeguarding Practice Review which will be published in due course.”
