IPCC investigating Northumbria Police following the death of Chirelle Calder

13 Sep 2016 04:55 PM

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has begun an investigation following the death of a teenager in South Shields.

Chirelle Calder was reported missing from her home in Whiteleas in the early hours of 13 August 2016.  Later that afternoon the 17-year-old was spotted at Marsden Cliffs and emergency services attended before she was witnessed going over the edge. She was taken by air ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle but died a short time later.

The IPCC independent investigation is looking at the actions taken by Northumbria Police, prior to Miss Calder’s death, including the contact between officers and those who reported her as missing, and the contact police had with Miss Calder at Marsden Cliffs.

IPCC investigators have visited the scene; they are currently reviewing body worn video footage from the police officers in attendance at Marsden Cliffs, and CCTV from the local area. Witness statements are also being collated to aid the investigation.

IPCC Commissioner Carl Gumsley said: “The circumstances of Chirelle Calder’s death, not least when it happens to someone so young, are tragic and my thoughts are with those who knew her. The independent investigation, looking at the contact police had with Miss Calder, is now underway and is progressing well.”