Breaking news: Alfie Steele report released

Available for over a year

The details of this report are distressing. Alfie Steele died after "sadistic" punishments at his home in Droitwich, in 2021, with a safeguarding report highlighted a catalogue of missed opportunities by professionals. In the end his own mother, Carla Scott, was convicted of manslaughter – and her partner, Dirk Howell, was found guilty of murder – back in June, Scott was jailed for 27 years, his partner was sent down for 32 years. Our reporter Tom Edwards goes over the findings from the Worcestershire Safeguarding Partnership. Separate to this review, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said they’re doing their own investigation into Alfie’s death, which is still ongoing – as West Mercia Police had contact with Alfie’s two killers “numerous” times, in the years before Alfie was found dead. West Mercia Police have put out a statement, they say “we fully support the recommendations of the review and are absolutely committed to working within the partnership to continually develop and improve safeguarding measures for vulnerable children and young people." “It is with the greatest sadness that we will never be able to undo the dreadful abuse Alfie suffered. Our thoughts remain with all those who knew and loved Alfie.”