Inquiry into police Soham investigations set to begin

The independent inquiry set up in the wake of the conviction of Soham murderer Ian Huntley will begin its first public session next week.

Huntley was convicted on the 17 December for the murder of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. Following the exposure of systems failures within the investigating constabularies, which not only failed to deliver comprehensive background checks on Huntley but which also failed to suggest a link between Huntley and a number of sex attacks in the Grimsby area, the Home Secretary called for a review to be carried out. Chaired by former civil servant Sir Michael Bichard, the review's first session will take place at 10.30am on Tuesday 13 January.

Sir Michael said: "This tragic case has raised issues of significant public interest. There has been much media coverage and speculation as to what happened in respect both of Huntley and of the system more widely.

"I would assure those interested that I will be undertaking this inquiry in an entirely objective and independent fashion. In doing so I intend it be thorough but to move quickly so that where there are any lessons to be learned, they can be quickly acted upon."

Letters are this week being sent to relevant parties asking them to provide written evidence on matters relating to their work in this case, the Home Office said. In addition, advertisments have been placed in the national and local press inviting written representations from any other interested persons by 23 January 2004.

The terms of reference for the inquiry, set by the Home Secretary, stated: "Urgently to enquire into child protection procedures in Humberside Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary in the light of the recent trial and conviction of Ian Huntley for the murder of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells.

"In particular, to assess the effectiveness of the relevant intelligence - based record keeping, the vetting practices in the forces since 1995 and information sharing with other agencies. Report to me on matters of local and national relevance and make recommendations as appropriate."

Public hearings will begin on 16 February and are expected to last three weeks.

(gmcg)