Watchdog investigating claims police scattered childs ashes during search
A police watchdog is investigating claims officers scattered a dead child's ashes in a bedroom while looking for stolen property.
Chelsea Wright, aged 23 from Cannock, alleged that during a search of an address on June 27 Staffordshire Police investigators opened up a 'memory bear' containing the ashes of her 10-month-old son Nathan, who died in 2014.
Ms Wright said she subsequently found ashes among the furnishings in the bedroom and lodged a formal complaint with the force, which has now been referred on to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
The organisation has since gathered evidence including body worn camera footage and accounts from the officers involved.
IPCC operations manager Steve Bimson said: "We have met with Ms Wright and her partner to explain our role and we will keep all parties regularly updated on our investigation.
“This is an emotive case and we are conscious of the distress and wider concern this has caused. We will be looking at all of the circumstances of this incident and whether there is any organisational learning arising from it.”
