Independent Police Complaints Commission
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Investigation report into Northamptonshire Police handling of intelligence about dangerous dog

An investigation into how Northamptonshire Police handled intelligence about a dangerous dog which went on to fatally attack a six-month-old child has concluded.

The IPCC began an investigation in October 2014 to examine the information police had about the dog, a banned American Pit Bull, which attacked Molly-Mae Wotherspoon on 3 October 2014. Molly-Mae tragically died of her injuries.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Molly-Mae were subject to a separate police investigation. Molly-Mae’s mother and grandmother recently admitted to charges related to the ownership and being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog resulting in death, and have been sentenced. The publication of the IPCC’s report has awaited the conclusion of criminal proceedings.

One officer was found to have a case to answer for misconduct for failing to take appropriate action with information received about the dog ten months prior to the attack. In January 2014 the officer was told of concerns about the dog by an RSPCA Inspector, and recorded that information, but failed to ensure the information was acted on. The officer consequently received management action from the force.

Another officer who also allegedly failed to act on the intelligence received was found to have no case to answer.

Channel website: https://policeconduct.gov.uk/

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