IOPC investigates force over missing man response

A watchdog has launched an investigation into a police force's response to locate a vulnerable person who was later found dead.

Shahab Uddin was reported missing from the Loughborough area of Leicestershire in the early hours of 13 August. Officers discovered the 40-year-old's body near the A6 in the town on 21 August.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said Leicestershire Police made a mandatory referral to the body after his death.

The IOPC determined at the time it was appropriate for the force's professional standards department to investigate. However, following a further referral from the force, the body said it had decided to carry out an independent investigation.

The IOPC said the complaint related to both the communication by police with family members, and the force's actions and inquiries during the time Uddin was missing.

Emily Barry, IOPC director, said: "Our thoughts and sympathies go to the family and friends of Mr Uddin and everyone affected by his tragic death.

"Our investigation is examining the complaint made by Mr Uddin's family in relation to the police response to the missing person report.

"This involves looking at the actions and decisions of Leicestershire Police following the calls made to the force about the concerns for Mr Uddin's welfare and subsequent missing person's report.

"We are also considering if risk assessments were assessed, graded and managed appropriately and concerns from Mr Uddin's family about whether the officers treated the search for Mr Uddin differently because of his race, religion and disability."

Investigators said they had been in contact with Uddin's family to explain the IOPC's role and to advise them of the next steps.

Assistant Chief Constable James Avery said: "Our thoughts and sympathies very much remain with the family and friends of Mr Uddin.

"We continue to fully co-operate with the IOPC's independent investigation.

"At this stage, we are unable to comment further while this investigation remains ongoing."

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