Following the death of Caroline Flack, the Metropolitan
Police has said no formal investigation is needed in to officers’ contact with
late TV presenter.
On 19 February the Met Police referred themselves to the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) over their contact with Flack before she took her own life on 15 February.
However today it was confirmed a watchdog found there was ‘no causal link’ between their actions and the 40-year-old former Love Island presenter’s death.
In a statement released today it explained the referral was
made following a review by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards
(DPS) of all previous police contact with Flack, which is standard
practice when a member of the public dies or is seriously injured and has had
recent contact with police.
The statement read: ‘The IOPC, having independently assessed
the circumstances, has informed the MPS and Ms Flack’s family that an IOPC
investigation is not required. The IOPC said it does not consider it reasonable
or proportionate based on the evidence provided to suggest officer involvement
caused or contributed to Ms Flack’s death.
‘The IOPC has referred the matter back to the MPS for the
DPS to decide whether any further investigation or review into the
circumstances is needed.
‘The DPS has concluded that a formal investigation is not
required. A comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding all police
contact with Ms Flack following her arrest and detention has already taken
place as part of the referral process. No conduct has been identified on the
part of any officer. In line with normal processes, if any new information
should come to light it will be considered and action taken as appropriate.
‘The MPS continues to offer every assistance to the coroner.’
In a statement in February, Met Police explained: ‘As is standard practice when a member of the public dies or is seriously injured and has had recent contact with police, the Directorate of Professional Standards has reviewed all previous police contact with Ms Flack.
‘Following the review, the MPS made a mandatory referral to the IOPC on Wednesday, 19 February to allow for an independent assessment.
‘No notice of investigation has been served on any officer and no conduct issues have been identified by the DPS. No officer is on restricted duties or suspended.’
At the time of her death, Flack was awaiting trial after pleading not guilty to an assault on her boyfriend Lewis Burton in December. The trial had been due to start early March.
An inquest last month confirmed that Flack died by suicide at her home in London.
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