Nottingham attacks: Police contact with triple killer to be investigated

The police watchdog has started an investigation into a force's contact with Valdo Calocane before he killed three people in Nottingham.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) review follows a voluntary referral by Nottinghamshire Police of complaints it has received from the victims' families.

Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates died in the attacks.

The IOPC will also examine how the force handled the murder investigation.

The watchdog said the complaints alleged there were flaws in the handling of the investigation and missed opportunities by police to prevent the deaths on 13 June.

It added allegations had also been made in respect of the non-execution of an outstanding warrant for Calocane's arrest prior to the killings, and concerns raised about Nottinghamshire Police's communication with the families.

IOPC director of operations Steve Noonan said: "Our sympathies are with the families of Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates, and everyone else affected by the tragic events which took place on June 13 last year.

"We have now decided to investigate complaints made about Nottinghamshire Police's involvement with Valdo Calocane.

"Along with this we are investigating the actions and decisions of Leicestershire Police, which we announced last week."

Calocane was given a hospital order on 25 January after pleading guilty to three counts of manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility.

Speaking on behalf of the families, Barnaby Webber's mother Emma welcomed the IOPC review.

She added: "It saddens us, however, that this investigation has had to result from us rather than the Nottinghamshire force doing the right thing and referring themselves.

"The failings and our concerns have been well documented and we now welcome a thorough independent body to look into all points raised.

"We will also ensure that we request the opportunity to meet with the IOPC in person so that we can provide our statements and relevant evidence."

Nottinghamshire Police has been contacted for comment.