Police watchdog investigation continues after death of Chesterfield’s Gracie Spinks

The police watchdog is continuing its investigation following the death of Chesterfield’s Gracie Spinks.
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The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating contact between Derbyshire Constabulary and Ms Spinks before she passed away.

The watchdog received a referral from the force because police had contact with her in the months before her death on June 18.

Gracie Spinks.Gracie Spinks.
Gracie Spinks.
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On Tuesday, an IOPC spokesperson told the Derbyshire Times that the investigation remains ongoing.

They were unable to say when the investigation is expected to be complete.

The IOPC spokesperson previously said: “We understand Ms Spinks made contact with Derbyshire police in February to make an allegation of stalking and that officers spoke to her and the man whose behaviour she had reported.

“Our investigation will consider whether the police investigation into the matter was carried out in line with all relevant policies and guidance, as well as whether the force met all its safeguarding obligations to Ms Spinks.

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“We will also look into the actions and decision-making of police following the discovery of bag containing weapons by a member of the public in May this year. It was found close to where Ms Spinks died several weeks later. The discovery was reported to the force.”

IOPC regional director, Derrick Campbell, said: “This was a heartbreaking incident where a young woman has lost her life and our thoughts are with all those affected.

“We recognise the impact this has had on the local community, which is why it is so important for us to carry out our investigation, which is independent of the police.”

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