Inquiry after man found dead two weeks after crash

A police force is investigating its handling of a missing person case after a man was found dead two weeks after a crash.

The Metropolitan Police was called to reports of a single-vehicle collision on a rural road in Rainham, east London, on 2 October.

No-one was found at the scene, but on 18 October, officers discovered the body of Garry Peterson, from Canvey Island in Essex, located near the crash site.

The force's professional standards committee is looking into the investigation, particularly the handling of the missing person report, according to the police watchdog.

The crash involved a blue 2008 Peugeot 207 at the junction of the A1306 and Launders Lane at about 19:45 BST.

The Met said a "thorough search" was conducted using specially-trained dogs and a police helicopter.

Peterson was reported missing to Essex Police on 13 October, and the Met said it was contacted by the neighbouring force about the 47-year-old on 16 October.

Police recovered Peterson's body near the crash site and identified him as being involved in the collision.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it received a referral from the Met about the case on 20 October.

The force is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and has appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Det Con Fayyadh Alwi, from the Met, said: "Officers are providing support to Mr Peterson's family and our thoughts remain with them."

An IOPC spokesperson said it had decided it was "suitable" for the Met's own professional standards department to carry out the inquiry.

But they added: "The Met was reminded that if, during its investigation, there was an indication of a conduct matter or that any officer may have committed a criminal offence, it must refer the matter to us."

They added: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Peterson and everyone affected by his death."

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.