IPCC independently investigating SWP response to domestic disturbances prior to the death of Lisa Moller

12 Sep 2014 01:10 PM

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating South Wales Police’s response to two reports of domestic disturbances, prior to the later discovery of a woman’s body.

In the early hours of 31 August 2014, South Wales Police were twice called out by a neighbour to attend reported domestic incidents at a house on Cwrt Eirlys, in Barry

Officers who attended were not able to make contact with the woman occupant of the property on either occasion.

Police officers who responded to the initial call spoke to a man who was outside the property and took him to a different address. 

At 10.50am, the ambulance service contacted SWP to inform them that the body of Lisa Moller, 35, had been discovered at the house by the same man who had earlier been removed from the outside of the property. It is understood he and an acquaintance had forced entry.

HM Coroner was informed and an inquest was opened and adjourned at Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Coroner’s Court. Her death is not being treated as suspicious.

IPCC Commissioner for Wales Jan Williams said:

“This is a very sad and difficult time for Lisa’s family, and they have my deepest sympathy over their loss. Our investigators have met with the family and explained why the IPCC is involved and how we will set about our investigation.

“Our independent investigation is examining how South Wales Police responded to the calls, including whether officers made sufficient efforts to check on the welfare of anyone inside the property.  

“We want to establish what information was available to the officers attending the house, and whether their responses were in line with national and local policy and guidance.

“We are also investigating whether the officers who attended had sufficient supervision, and whether they had adequate domestic abuse training.”