Watchdog to probe police inquiry over missing teenager

THE POLICE investigation into the disappearance of teenager Gaia Pope, inset, is the subject of an inquiry by an independent watchdog.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is to investigate Dorset Police’s response to the 19-year-old being reported missing by her family on November 7 last year.

Police launched a major inquiry and her disappearance prompted a massive campaign from family and friends to find the teenager, who lived near Swanage.

The body of Miss Pope, who suffered from severe epilepsy, was found on November 18 by police search teams in undergrowth between Dancing Ledge and Anvil Point, close to the Swanage coastal path – 11 days after she had last been seen alive.

During the police investigation three people, two men aged 19 and 49 and a 71-year-old woman, were arrested. They were released without any further action being taken. In February an opening inquest heard Miss Pope died from hypothermia and Dorset Coroner Rachael Griffin ordered statements from various organisations, including Dorset social services, Dorset Police, the local hospital trust and her GP. The IOPC said its investigation began after a referral was received from Dorset Police in February following an internal review. IOPC director Catrin Evans said: “We are examining the actions and decisions of Dorset Police when dealing with the missing person report made in respect of a vulnerable young woman. We will also consider whether the force appropriately risk-assessed, resourced and reviewed the missing person report.” A Dorset Police spokesman said: “We have an obligation to review incidents involving death or serious injury following police contact.”