Dorset Police face investigation over rape complaint made by Gaia Pope
♦ Police officers are facing an inquiry after it emerged officers took no action over a rape complaint made by Gaia Pope before she killed herself last year.
The 19-year-old was found dead on Nov 18 after being reported missing from Swanage, Dorset, 11 days earlier.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it had opened an investigation into the police response to the allegation made by Miss Pope before she died.
Her family said she developed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder after Dorset Police investigated but decided to take no further action in relation to her claim in December 2015.
Catrin Evans, the IOPC director with responsibility for Dorset Police, said: “After initial investigation, in June 2016 Dorset Police made the decision to take no further action in respect of the rape allegation. Following complaints, we will investigate whether the police response was in accordance with local and national policies and guidance.”
The IOPC is already investigating Dorset Police’s response to the teenager being reported missing by her family on Nov 7.