An impartial investigation is underway into how Met Police officers dealt with a report of indecent publicity involving the suspect within the alleged homicide of Sarah Everard, simply three days before she vanished whereas strolling residence.
PC Wayne Couzens, 48, has been arrested on suspicion of the kidnap and homicide of miss Everard. He has additionally been arrested on suspicion of an indecent publicity involving one other lady, and that is the incident that will probably be investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The alleged indecent publicity occurred on February 28, at a quick meals restaurant in South London. The precise location isn’t identified.
The IOPC investigation will give attention to whether or not Met officers responded appropriately to the report of publicity.
Miss Everard vanished on Wednesday, March 3 as she walked residence to Brixton from a good friend’s home in Clapham.
Police confirmed search groups had discovered human stays in woodland in Ashford, Kent on Wednesday, March 10.
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They had not but confirmed the id of the stays, with officers saying the method is prone to take a while.
Couzens, a member of the (*3*) and Diplomatic Protection Command, continues to be held in London.
A girl in her 30s has additionally been arrested on suspicion of helping an offender in reference to Miss Everard’s disappearance. She has been launched on bail to return to a police station on a date in mid-April.
The (IOPC) stated the investigation adopted a conduct referral from the Met in relation to 2 officers, acquired on Wednesday.
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The watchdog stated the referral was linked to a different 4, “all related to the arrest of a serving MPS officer on suspicion of kidnap, homicide and a separate allegation of indecent publicity”.
In a press release, the IOPC stated: “Our investigation will look at the actions of the MPS after police acquired a report on February 28 {that a} man had uncovered himself at a quick meals restaurant in South London.
“On Wednesday we decided that two conduct referrals referring to kidnap/homicide and indecent publicity allegations in opposition to the arrested officer ought to stay below native investigation by the power.
“We are nonetheless assessing a compulsory referral in relation to the actions of police after they acquired a report that Sarah Everard was lacking.”
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The IOPC added a compulsory referral was acquired from the Met on Thursday in relation to police contact with the arrested officer who was handled in hospital after sustaining a head harm whereas in custody on Wednesday, which is being assessed to find out what additional motion could also be required.
The Met confirmed earlier tonight that Couzens had been taken to hospital on Wednesday with head accidents sustained in custody, and had since been returned to the cells.
The power stated it was “providing each help” to the IOPC.
