THE Independent Office for Police Conduct has revealed the scope of its investigation into police's handling of the Star Hobson murder case.
The IOPC resumed its investigation December 16, the day after Savannah Brockhill and Frankie Smith were jailed for murdering and allowing the death of 16-month-old Star, respectively.
West Yorkshire Police referred itself to the regulatory body due to the fact its officers had contact with Star and her family before her death on September 22, 2020.
It was revealed they were investigating this morning at an inquest hearing into Star's death.
The IOPC is looking at the police's response to three reports of injuries Star suffered in the months before her death.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Star Hobson’s family, loved ones and all those affected by her tragic death.
“We began an independent investigation in October 2020 following a referral from West Yorkshire Police, due to the fact officers had contact with Star’s family prior to her death.
“Our investigation, which will look at the police response to three reports Star suffered injuries in the months before her death in September 2020, was suspended while criminal proceedings took place.
“Our investigation resumed once the trial concluded. We are currently in the process of obtaining evidence, including statements from police officers, all of whom are being treated as witnesses.”
Earlier this week, Frankie Smith, 20, Star's mother, had her jail term increased from eight to 12 years by the Court of Appeal after it was deemed unduly lenient.
Brockhill, 28, Smith's then-girlfriend, was jailed for life for killing Star, and must serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before being considered for release.
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