The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has decided to reopen its investigation into the actions taken by Leicestershire Police following allegations of assault by Valdo Calocane on two co-workers in Kegworth.
The incident took place in May 2023, a month before Calocane killed Ian Coates, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Barnaby Webber in Nottingham on 13 June.
A spokesperson said:
‘We have made our decision after the force provided new evidence, which had not previously been available to the IOPC. This followed representations by the bereaved families, which led to further enquiries with Leicestershire Police.
‘Our investigation into Leicestershire Police’s handling of the assault allegations against Calocane concluded in September last year (2023). As a result, three officers were due to face a misconduct meeting, which the force postponed.
‘We will now reinvestigate whether information relating to Calocane’s previous history and an outstanding warrant for his arrest was seen by the officers before the investigation was closed.’
IOPC Director Derrick Campbell said:
“Our sympathies remain with the families of Ian, Barnaby, and Grace. We have received a number of representations from them, and we have responded as soon as we were in a position to provide the additional details requested. This is consistent with our policy to share evidence with interested parties so they can effectively participate in our investigations.
“For a matter to be reopened by the IOPC, it has to meet one or more criteria, including significant new information coming to light that requires further investigation.
“That applies in this case, and after careful consideration of this new information, we are carrying out further enquiries in respect of what officers actually saw on police systems about Calocane, and in particular, an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
“Those who are closely impacted by our decision, including the bereaved families and the officers involved, have been notified, and we will complete this work as quickly as possible.
“Any decision on the disciplinary outcome of our investigation will only be made once the new evidence and the results of these enquiries have been analysed.
“Our Director General, Rachel Watson, has offered to meet with the families of Ian, Barnaby, and Grace to discuss this development and any concerns they may have.”
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