03/03/2014

IPCC To Investigate Police Contact With Murdered Woman

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to carry out its own independent investigation into contact carried out between Gloucestershire Constabulary and Hollie Gazzard before her death.

Ms Gazzard, 20, was attacked at her place of work at Fringe Benefits in Southgate Street, Gloucester, on 18 February. She later died from her injuries and the following day Gloucestershire Constabulary referred the matter to the IPCC due to previous contact with the victim.

In a statement, IPCC Associate Commissioner Guido Liguori said: "This is clearly a very difficult time for Hollie's friends and family and I would like to extend my condolences to them. They will have questions about whether anything more could have been done by Gloucestershire Constabulary to prevent her tragic death, and I am also aware that incidents such as this can be of concern to the wider community.

"Our investigation will establish what action was taken and whether it was in line with force and national guidelines. This will include looking at what intelligence was available to the force and the use of risk assessments.

"As a criminal investigation is under way, we must be cautious about the information we make public so as not to interfere with the ongoing criminal proceedings.”

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said: "We are aware of the IPCC investigation and are assisting their inquiries.

"It would not be appropriate to comment any further until their investigation is complete."

A 22-year-old man, Asher Thomas Maslin, from Cheltenham, is charged with murdering the hairdresser.

(JP)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

22 August 2012
IPCC Report Finds 'Failings' In Essex Police
The police watchdog has found that officers in Essex took "inadequate action" to arrest a man who went on to murder his ex-partner and daughter. 50-year-old David Oakes shot Christine Chambers, 38, and Shania, two, at their home in Braintree in June 2011.
23 October 2012
Over 1,000 Police Names Passed to IPCC In Hillsborough Investigation
1,444 serving and former police officers have been passed to the Independent Police Complaints Commission as part of its investigation into the Hillsborough disaster. Keith Vaz, the Home Affairs Committee chairman, told MPs the "huge number" had been revealed to him in a letter from South Yorkshire Police's chief constable.
06 July 2012
Sussex Police Chief Constable Referred To IPCC For Investigation
A Sussex Police Chief Constable has been referred to Independent Police Complaints Commission for investigation over an allegation of misconduct. Sussex Police Authority said it voluntarily referred the constable, Martin Richards, IPCC in June.
07 July 2011
Gilbert Police Investigation Flawed, Finds IPCC
The Independent Police Complaints Commission has published findings from their investigation into the police handling of incidents involving Michael Gilbert prior to his murder. Michael was murdered in January 2009 and his body dismembered and disposed of in a lake in Bedfordshire.
04 August 2009
Prosecutors Given File On G20 Death
A file of evidence about the death of Ian Tomlinson during the G20 protests in London in April has been given to prosecutors by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). Mr Tomlinson, 47, died shortly after he was pushed over by a policeman.