Derbyshire Police has been referred to the national policing watchdog following its role in the death of a missing teenager. James Corlett, from Swadlincote, in Derbyshire, was reported missing on Thursday, October 29, after he had been out in Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire but did not return home.
Investigation transferred between forces
Derbyshire Police launched a missing person appeal, but, when information suggested that James had remained in the Ashby area, the investigation was transferred to Leicestershire Police on Saturday, October 31, reports LeicestershireLive.
At about 4pm on Saturday, October 31, officers said James' body had been found in Ashby, two days after the 18-year-old failed to return home following a night out in the town.
Death not believed to be suspicious
In an update issued on Monday (November 2), Leicestershire Police, who had led the search for the missing teenager, said James' death was not believed to be suspicious and that officers would be preparing a file for HM Coroner.
His family are continuing to be supported by specialist police officers.
Mandatory referral to the IOPC
On Wednesday, November 4, Leicestershire Police confirmed it has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) - the police watchdog - relating to its handling of the investigation into the missing teenager.
A spokesperson for the IOPC said: "We have received a mandatory referral from Leicestershire Police in relation to this matter and we will now carry out an assessment to decide what further action, if any, is required by us."
