The Metropolitan Police has issued an apology to the family of Edward Cornes, a 19-year-old gay student whose death in a London hotel in 2021 was marred by investigative failures. The apology follows an ITV News investigation and years of campaigning by Edward’s family, which exposed that the initial case was not handled correctly.
Apology and Family Reaction
A Met spokesperson stated: 'We apologise for the pain caused to Edward’s family through the handling of our investigation. We acknowledge that aspects of the initial investigation were not handled correctly and did not meet the high standards we expect.' Edward's mother, Miriam Blythe, told ITV News the apology feels 'shallow' and 'too little too late'. She said: 'It's a small victory. I am pleased they are doing a review. But it's been a horrible, devastating struggle where I always knew I was right, and had multiple police officers telling me I was wrong.'
Details of the Death and Investigation Failures
Edward was found dead at a hotel in King's Cross in October 2021, just two days into his first term at University College London. He was in the company of two men in their 50s, who were arrested on suspicion of murder but later released without charge. The post-mortem examination revealed large amounts of alcohol, GHB, and crystal meth in his system, along with 36 cuts and other injuries.
Miriam accused the police of homophobia, claiming officers focused on her son’s sexuality, referred to him as a 'rent boy', and failed to investigate key evidence. She highlighted that a phone call Edward accidentally made to her mother’s phone in the early hours of the morning, on which another man could be heard, was not pursued. She also noted that crucial evidence, including blood samples, syringes, and items from the crime scene, went missing from police custody.
Ongoing Review and Next Steps
The Met has confirmed that specialist officers are reviewing the original investigation to determine if further lines of enquiry are possible. A spokesperson said: 'We have since met with Edward’s family to apologise in person and recognise the distress our actions have caused. We remain in contact with the family and will continue to keep them updated as our work progresses.' Anyone with information is urged to email opthrupp@met.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
