West Yorkshire Police told to "improve" response to child abuse, following Star Hobson death
The police watchdog said it found "no evidence" to suggest the force caused the toddler's death
Last updated 16th Feb 2023
West Yorkshire Police has been told to improve how it responds to reports of child abuse and neglect, following the death of toddler Star Hobson.
The police watchdog began an investigation into the force, after the 16-month-old died following months of abuse at the hands of her mother, Frankie Smith, and her mother's partner, Savannah Brockhill.
An IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) report has revealed Star's father alerted police after receiving photos of bruising to his daughter's face, in June 2020, just over three months before her death.
She was then examined by a doctor, who concluded the injuries were caused accidentally, and Star was returned to her mother.
A month later, a second report was made after Star's father received a video, showing another round of bruising to Star's face.
Police tried to track down the toddler and her mother, and eventually spoke to Smith on the telephone.
She told police Star would be present for a meeting with Children's Social Care (CSC) the following day.
Following that meeting, CSC informed police that the injuries were thought to be accidental.
Star died in hospital in September 2020 after ambulance crews responded to call from her home, where she was found unresponsive.
The IOPC has highlighted 10 areas of learning for West Yorkshire Police, including "training for officers; recording intelligence and information; ensuring all roles within the Safe Guarding Unit are adequately resourced, information sharing between stakeholders; and how officers investigate and follow up all potential lines of enquiry."
The watchdog said: "Our investigation concluded there was no indication any police officer may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence. WYP officers and civilian staff involved in the investigation were treated as witnesses."
IOPC Regional Director Thea Walton said: “The circumstances of this case are shocking and profoundly disturbing, and I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Star’s family for their tragic loss.
“While our investigation found no evidence to suggest WYP caused Miss Hobson’s death, our investigation did highlight some considerable learning for WYP. That is why we have identified a number of recommendations which include a closer working relationship with CSC and a multi-agency approach moving forward.
“The responsibility for Star’s death lies squarely with the two women who have been sentenced and we hope that our recommendations will help ensure any potential future opportunities to safeguard children are not missed.”