Durham MP calls for more scrutiny in student death investigation
Olivia Burt died from head injuries she received outside Missoula nightclub in February
Last updated 6th Jul 2018
A Durham MP says there needs to be more scrutiny of the investigation into the death of a student earlier this year.
Roberta Blackman-Woods is exclusively telling Metro Radio this morning that more needs to be done to stop it happening again.
It's after Olivia Burt died from head injuries outside Missoula nightclub at Walkergate in February.
The Labour MP says the police and council need to look into whether nights out around Walkergate are safe.
She said:
"In particular, I think what it needs to look at all the licensing issues in Durham, and whether the site that Missoula is in is appropriate for a late night economy.
"Olivia's family, right from the beginning, have wanted more independence in this inquiry and I'm going to keep asking that the government has some oversight in this process - and actually tins about if this process is fit for purpose, because I don't think it is.
"I'm going to continue lobbying - on behalf of Olivia's family because I think they deserve better than this - but I want to ensure that we get all the information in the public domain and we learn lessons so this doesn't happen again."
A pre-inquiry review is set to take place later this month to determine the circumstances around Olivia's death.
Durham Constabulary said it is still investigating the tragic death of Olivia Burt and it would be inappropriate to comment any further.
We have also contacted Durham County Council for a statement.