A watchdog has decided there is no need to investigate police contact with Caroline Flack before her death.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said there was “no indication of a causal link between the actions or omissions of the police and Caroline Flack’s tragic death”.
Metropolitan Police officers last had contact with the 40-year-old television presenter on December 13, 2019 when she was in custody following an alleged assault.
Concerns were subsequently raised by her loved ones over the handling of the assault charge.
On Wednesday, the IOPC announced that it would not be investigating the Metropolitan Police, which had referred itself to the watchdog.
It is standard practice for a referral to be made to IOPC when a person who has had recent contact with police dies.
“Having considered a mandatory referral from the Metropolitan Police, we decided the matter did not require investigation by the IOPC because there was no indication of a causal link - directly or indirectly - between the actions or omissions of the police and Caroline Flack’s tragic death,” a spokesperson said.
“Officers last had contact with Ms Flack on 13 December 2019, when she was in custody, nearly two months before her death.
“While in custody on 13 December, officers arranged for her to see a health care professional and relevant policy and procedure was followed to give her further guidance.
“On this basis, we have returned this referral to the Met’s Department for Professional Standards for them to deal with the matter in whatever manner they decide.”
The Love Island presenter died after taking her own life last month.
Useful websites and helplines:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on www.rethink.org.
