IPCC urges Met to issue `proper apology`

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)has called on the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to issue a “proper apology” to the family of an alleged police informant whose burned body was found under a London railway arch four years ago.

Kester David`s body was discovered in Broomfield Lane, Palmers Green, in 2010.

His family believe he was killed for working as a police informant and have claimed the MPS failed to look at CCTV or speak to witnesses promptly.

The issues have prompted the IPCC to urge the force to apologise for its handling of the case.

An IPCC spokesperson said: “We have asked the Metropolitan Police to make a proper apology to Mr David`s family for the further distress the mistakes of its former officers caused them.”

The initial investigation into Mr David`s death concluded he committed suicide.

However, a year later an internal investigation, led by inspector Brian Casson, found a “catalogue of errors” and a “failing in duty” as CCTV and mobile phone records were not checked and witnesses were not interviewed.

Reports suggest that a number of mistakes were made in the handling of the case including wrongly reporting the results of DNA tests and telling the coroner the wrong time of death.

Issues were also identified in the way the force communicated with the family following the death of Mr David.

The IPCC added: “We have asked the force to make it a matter of standard practice to inform complainants if an officer subject to complaint retires, as in this case. It can only have added to their distress that it was some months before this fact was made known to Mr David`s family.

“Despite their retirements, the IPCC has directed the force to amend its records to show that two officers who were involved in the original investigation into Mr David`s death would have had a case to answer for misconduct.”

In April 2012, the MPS announced a fresh investigation into Mr David`s “unexplained” death, and said this investigation is ongoing.

In July, the force worked with Crimewatch and the media to publicise several new appeal points as part of the current investigation into Mr David`s death.

Speaking at the time of the appeal, Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, said: “Kester was a hard working, well-respected individual in his local community and I am committed to finding out why he died.

“Despite continued efforts to identify the circumstances surrounding Kester`s death, it remains unexplained and we appeal to anyone who can assist with information to come forward. Kester`s mother is now 80 years of age and one can only imagine the agony she has endured since July 2010 not knowing why her son died.”