08/05/2009

Stabbed Mother 'Had Contacted Police' Over Safety Fears

A mother-of-three has been found stabbed to death at her home had called the police hours before her death, it has emerged.

Mary Griffiths, a 38-year-old fitness instructor, from Bury St Edmunds, died early on Wednesday.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) confirmed it is to investigate the police response to Ms Griffiths' pleas for help on the night she died.

The 38-year-old - who was on crutches - is said to have been told that officers would be with her in an hour.

"Suffolk Constabulary can confirm the victim did contact the police prior to this incident," a police spokeswoman said.

"As such, this matter has been referred to the IPCC. They are conducting an investigation and we cannot confirm any further."

Last night, a spokesman for the commission said: "IPCC investigators have completed a scene assessment today. A decision has been made that the IPCC will conduct an independent investigation into police contact prior to Mary Griffiths' death."

A 40-year-old man from Bury was arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently receiving treatment at West Suffolk Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. He has yet to be questioned, police said.

(JM/BMcC)

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