WIREDGOV

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has provided an update on its investigation into contact Gloucestershire Police had with Hollie Gazzard prior to her murder by Asher Maslin.

Following Hollie’s murder on 18 February 2014 Gloucestershire Police identified two incidents of prior contact and made a referral to the IPCC. The IPCC independent investigation, which has been progressing in parallel to Gloucestershire Police’s murder investigation, has been looking at whether the force’s response to these incidents was adequate.

The first of the two incidents involving the force and Hollie and Maslin occurred in July 2013 when CCTV operators witnessed Maslin grab Hollie by the throat in Gloucester. In the second incident Hollie called the police on 15 February 2014 to report that Maslin had stolen her bank card. He subsequently stole money from her account using the card.

IPCC investigators are reviewing the action taken after each of the incidents to see whether the potential risk Hollie faced was correctly graded and the appropriate action taken to protect her.  The force’s training and policies are also being reviewed to see if there are any improvements the force can make in these areas.

IPCC investigators have recovered and reviewed all relevant material from the force including recordings of emergency calls, incident logs and copies of risk assessments. Statements have also been taken from members of Hollie’s family who were present when officers initially attended after she called to report the theft of her bank card and when they returned the following day.  

As part of the investigation two police officers and a call handler have been served with misconduct notices informing them their actions are under investigation. Statements were received from each of the officers, and they along with the call handler have been interviewed by IPCC investigators. 

Associate Commissioner Guido Liguori said:

"I would like to offer my condolences to Hollie’s family and friends, at what will undoubtedly be a difficult time for them. Our investigation is progressing well, and once concluded we hope it will answer the question of whether Gloucestershire Police could or should have been done more to protect her. "