Safeguarding investigation into Alfie Steele death underway
The investigation will look into West Mercia Police's response to concerns about the nine-year-old's welfare.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an investigation into the contact that West Mercia Police had with Alfie Steele, his mother and her partner, prior to his murder.
The investigation follows an assessment of a mandatory referral from the force after the conclusion of criminal proceedings last month (June) when Dirk Howell was found guilty of murder and Carla Scott was found guilty of manslaughter after Alfie, aged 9, died by drowning in the bath at his home in February 2021.
The two individuals convicted had contact with West Mercia Police on a number of occasions in the years prior to Alfie’s murder.
The investigation will consider the actions and decisions of West Mercia Police, focusing on their response to concerns about Alfie’s welfare.
The independent review will look at a significant volume of documentation requested from West Mercia Police - including police logs, witness statements and relevant local policies.
IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “First and foremost, my thoughts and sympathies go to Alfie’s family and friends and everyone who has understandably been left shocked and saddened by his death.
“I have recently discussed the referral with West Mercia Police, which followed the level of public concern raised by the trial of Alfie’s mother and her partner.
“Our investigation will be thorough and completely independent of the police. In examining the force’s response to the series of reports, we will be considering whether there is any organisational learning for West Mercia Police and if any change in policy or practice might help to prevent the awful circumstances of Alfie’s death from happening again.”