The IOPC reopens investigation into Leicestershire Police regarding Valdo Calocane. New evidence about a possible arrest warrant surfaces.
The IOPC called this new information significant. Calocane reportedly assaulted people in Kegworth in May 2023. He killed three people a month later; the victims were Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates.
The initial report found police failed to investigate the assault. This failure might have prevented the murders. Three officers faced a misconduct meeting, but the meeting got postponed. Bereaved families and the press requested access because they thought the report was inadequate.
The IOPC inquired about the police’s handling of the case. The families made representations, prompting police to provide new evidence that the IOPC had not seen before. They deemed this information significant.
The reinvestigation concerns an outstanding warrant. It also asks if officers knew Calocane’s history. The families welcome the decision and feel they must fight for answers. They want a complete investigation, transparency, and accountability.
The families’ solicitor spoke, welcoming the IOPC’s decision. He stated the team repeatedly raised concerns about thoroughness. He thought the original probe was insufficient, and anything less would have been wrong.
The solicitor says families fight for what they want. They desire a thorough and transparent investigation. Ultimately, they want accountability, and the lawyer mentioned they would challenge any shortcomings.
The solicitor wants a new IOPC team because they lack faith in the current team managing the investigation.
Leicestershire Police knows about the reopened investigation. They postponed the misconduct meeting, considered the families’ concerns, and will support the IOPC investigation. They will ensure future meetings are transparent.
The IOPC director sympathized with the families and responded to their requests. They share evidence with interested parties, allowing for effective participation.
New information is grounds for reopening a case in this incident. The new data met this standard. The police systems regarding Calocane are significant relating to a warrant for his arrest.
The IOPC informed the families and officers and will complete the work quickly. Disciplinary decisions await the new evidence analysis. The IOPC offered to meet with the families.
The solicitor wants to meet the IOPC director to discuss the investigation’s next steps. This is a chance to voice concerns. He hopes for a full and proper investigation.
A less serious misconduct meeting got arranged. The three officers faced a written warning, and the press was excluded from the meeting.