A shocking inquest has revealed that a former counter-terrorism officer, who threatened to slit his son's throat and stockpiled petrol in his home, was not considered high-risk by police—despite clear warning signs.
Ignored Threats and Missed Red Flags
The ex-officer, whose identity has been withheld, allegedly made violent threats against his own family, including a chilling warning that he would "slit his son's throat." Neighbours reported hearing aggressive outbursts, and evidence showed he had accumulated large quantities of petrol, raising fears of an arson attack.
Police Failure to Act
Despite multiple reports from concerned family members and neighbours, authorities failed to intervene, dismissing the case as low-risk. The inquest heard that officers did not conduct a thorough risk assessment, missing critical opportunities to prevent escalation.
Mental Health Concerns Overlooked
Friends and relatives had repeatedly raised concerns about the man's deteriorating mental state, yet no mental health evaluation was ordered. Experts now question whether systemic failures in policing and mental health services contributed to the tragedy.
Call for Accountability
The case has sparked outrage, with campaigners demanding an independent review of police handling of domestic threats involving former officers. "This was a preventable disaster," said a family spokesperson. "Lessons must be learned."
