The complaints prompt the IOPC to investigate the actions of Avon and Somerset Police after the woman’s death

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into how complaints were made by a woman’s family after she died. The IOPC is currently investigating complaints made by Kelly Faiers’ family about Avon and Somerset Police’s response to her death.

Kelly Faiers, 61, died at a property in Minehead on 15 October 2023 where Richard Scatchard lived. Scatchard had previously been convicted of multiple sex offenses in 2000 and was recalled to prison for violating the terms of his probation shortly after Faiers’ death.

On the evening of October 14 last year, Scatchard and Faiers were together in Minehead. In the early hours of October 15, Scatchard called an ambulance, reporting that Faiers was seriously ill.

Read more:

Tragically, Faiers was pronounced dead at the scene when paramedics arrived. Avon and Somerset Police were also at the property and spoke to Scatchard before he left the scene.

They returned the next day for further questioning, but Scatchard had disappeared. In December 2023, Faiers’ family raised concerns about the police investigation into her death.

Their complaints allude to poor decisions and actions taken by Avon and Somerset Police in the immediate aftermath of Faiers’ death. Including but not limited to the handling of the scene, the decision not to arrest Scatchard or initiate a criminal investigation, and communication between the police and her family after Faiers’ death.

The IOPC launched an independent investigation following a referral from Avon and Somerset Police in January. The investigation looks at the actions and decision-making of the police officers involved, and examines whether force policies and procedures were properly followed.

IOPC Regional Director David Ford said: “My deepest sympathies go out to Mrs Faiers’ family on the sudden loss of their loved one. Our thoughts are with them and all those affected by her death.

“Our investigation, carried out independently of the police, is thorough and will ensure that the actions of the officers involved are properly scrutinized. In particular, we review the police’s decision not to detain Mr Scatchard or commence a criminal investigation immediately after Ms Faiers was found at his address.

“We are considering what information the officers who attended the Minehead address had when Mr Scatchard was first spoken to and any contact that took place between them and the surveillance officers.

“We have been in contact with Ms Faiers’ family to explain our role and will provide them with regular updates as our investigation continues to develop.”

On April 4 this year, Avon and Somerset Police reported that a body had been discovered in a caravan in Watchet. The body was later identified as Scatchard, who had been missing since 16 October 2023.

Following a mandatory referral from Avon and Somerset Police last month, due to prior police contact with Scatchard, IPOC advised the force’s professional standards department to carry out a local investigation into the search for Scatchard and his death. The IOPC will maintain a level of oversight by reviewing the force investigation upon completion.