Police dismissed fears of boy, 5, but months later his mum was dead

A FIVE-year-old boy bravely rang 999 to say his stepfather was hitting his mother – but eight months after police dismissed his fears the child found her dead in their home.

The police watchdog has now identified a series of failings in the case of Farkhanda Younis, 30, who was murdered by her jealous husband, Jahangir Nazar. Back in September 2012 Ms Younis’ little boy – from a previous relationship – made an emergency call to report that his stepfather was ‘hitting his mum’ at their home in Chadderton, Oldham.

A police officer attended and spoke to the couple, but no action was taken after he concluded there were ‘no worries’ and that the child’s plea was a ‘false call with good intent.’ Eight months later, in April 2013, Ms Younis’ son rang 999 again because he couldn’t rouse her and her room was locked. It turned out she was dead – having been repeatedly stabbed in the throat.

Nazar, 35 at the time, was found guilty of her murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years.

Now a report from the police watchdog has revealed that Ms Younis was a long-time victim of abuse.

GMP systems dating back to 2001 recorded 46 reported incidents involving different partners.

Despite this, the Independent Police Complaints Commission found the radio operator conducted very little background research.

This led to inaccurate information being given to the officer who attended when the child called – so he didn’t know Ms Younis was a possible repeat domestic violence victim. On three occasions prior to the child’s call neighbours had called police to report suspected domestic violence at Ms Younis’ home – on March 12 and 18, and on September 6, 2012. The police attended each time but the report says no offences were disclosed by Ms Younis and ‘each incident was closed without a domestic violence code or a risk assessment being completed. No further action was taken by GMP in relation to these matters.’

Meanwhile, between August 2012 and her death the following year, Ms Younis had six encounters with police.

On one occasion an officer did attend her home and completed a risk assessment, which was handled by a specialist domestic violence detective, and filed to the intelligence base of the Public Protection Investigation Unit (PPIU).

Months after that, in February 2013, Ms Younis’ friend called GMP to report that Nazar was trying to gain access to the Chadderton address, following their separation,