PIRC launches probe after woman’s death

Investigation into police’s response after Elizabeth Bowe found injured in flat

The police watchdog has launched an investigation following the death of a woman in St Andrews.

Elizabeth Bowe was found badly injured within a flat in Bobby Jones Place at about 9pm on Saturday September 17. She was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee for treatment but died three days later.

Now the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) has been tasked with investigating the police’s response to the incident.

A spokesman said PIRC had been instructed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to carry out the probe following the death of the 50-year-old “in relation to an incident at a property in St Andrews on Saturday September 17”.

The spokesman added: “The investigation will focus on the initial police response leading up to the incident.”

He said a report on the Commissioner’s findings will be submitted to COPFS in due course.

Ms Bowe’s brother, Charles Gordon, 51, also of St Andrews, has been charged with her murder. He appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court earlier this week facing a single charge of murder.

He made no plea or declaration during the short hearing, which was held in private, and the case was continued for further examination.

In a further twist, Ms Bowe was allegedly seriously assaulted by her boyfriend a week earlier.

Robert Cunningham, 51, of St Andrews appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court on charges relating to theft and assault to injury on the same day Ms Bowe passed away.

The new probe represents the second PIRC investigation into a death in Fife in the last 18 months.

An investigation was launched into the death of Sheku Bayoh in Kirkcaldy in May last year.

North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie said: “It is a matter of public concern that the official investigating body for the police is having to investigate again in such quick succession.

“For the confidence of the public we need to get these issues resolved as quickly as possible.”

For the confidence of the public we need to get these issues resolved as quickly as possible. WILLIE RENNIE MSP

Picture: George McLuskie. Elizabeth Bowe was found badly injured in a flat in St Andrews.