Investigation Raises Concerns Over Handling Of Case

The investigation into the approach taken by Leicestershire Police in relation to a vulnerable family which suffered as a result of anti-social behaviour has revealed a series of failings.

Fiona Pilkington killed herself and her disabled daughter after suffering a series of problems at the hands of local youths, despite them contacting police officers 33 times over a ten-year period.

According to an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), officers failed to provide a structured approach to the issue and did not make use of systems to identify the level of harassment the family faced.

It also concluded that police failed to carry out their responsibilities and four officers are now facing a meeting over misconduct.

Irwin Mitchell’s actions against the police team represent a number of people who have suffered as a result of officers failing to meet their duty of care.

Ifti Manzoor, a specialist in the team, said: “This case is dramatically concerning and it is vital that clear evidence is provided that lessons have been learnt which will ensure similar problems in approach do not happen again.

“While the vast majority of police officers work to the highest possible standard in difficult conditions, it is a real worry when evidence emerges in relation to times when that may not have been the case.

“I welcome the IPCC’s investigation and hope that we do not see a report of such issues in the future.”