‘Serious failings by police’ - family

THOMAS Gallagher’s parents have criticised “serious failings” by police in their handling of his case.

In a statement released after the inquest verdict of suicide, Angela and Gabriel said: “Tom was a confident and caring 16-year-old boy who excelled at school and had just embarked on a part-time summer job with his dad.

“Like many young men, Tom was receiving assistance with his mental health. He went missing on the evening of July 10, 2015.

“Having searched the local areas and exhausting all avenues, we reached out for police assistance at 2.44am. We explained his vulnerabilities concerning his recent mental health history. Subsequently two members of the public found Tom five hours later. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) failed to respond at all.

“Tom’s inquest and an IPCC investigation has revealed a series of serious failings as well as inadequate staffing levels.

“GMP breached their own emergency response policy in failing to call us back, allocate our need to an officer or escalate their inability to resource our call. We had no reassurance of help.

“We are pleased that GMP have admitted some of the failings, however despite Tom’ death being over one year ago, GMP has made few improvements.

“We are pleased with the coroner’s recommendations to GMP calling for improvements to their systems.

“Tom aspired to study maths at Oxford University, he also had a passion for languages and won two awards at school.

“As soon as he finished his GCSEs he started to teach himself Mandarin.

“His GCSE results were released shortly after his death, he was awarded eight A*s and three As.”

The incident was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) by GMP.

Both were unavailable for comment as the Free Press went to print.