Investigation into Lincs Police response to child welfare concerns

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has started an investigation into Lincolnshire Police’s response to child welfare concerns after a toddler was later found with serious injuries.

Officers attended an address in Kirton, Boston, on 8 July and found two young children in need of hospital treatment. 

Lincolnshire Police referred the matter to us on 9 July due to previous police attendance at the address and, having assessed the evidence currently available, we’ve decided it’s appropriate for us to carry out an independent investigation.

We have established a welfare concern was initially reported to the force by a member of the public on 23 June and that police visited the property on 2 July to conduct enquiries.

Our investigation will examine the actions and decision-making of officers and staff in relation to the welfare concerns, including any assessment of risk and safeguarding for the children, the resources available to Lincolnshire Police, and the force’s engagement with other agencies, notably child services.

We have served one officer, a Police Constable, with notice they are being investigated for potential gross misconduct. We believe there is an indication they may have breached police professional standards relating to duties and responsibilities, and discreditable conduct. 

IOPC Director of Engagement, Emily Barry, said: “The two children removed from the address needed immediate hospital treatment. The younger of the two was treated in hospital for several days, but I’m pleased to report both have now been discharged and are being cared for. 

“We are making swift progress on our conduct investigation, and one officer has been served notice that their conduct is being investigated. Our investigation will also consider the force’s wider response to the incident, how the welfare concern was graded, workload prioritisation, and resourcing.”