Met police officer ‘failed to investigate acid attacker’ who then carried out fatal attack months later

Victim’s family say they feel ‘let down’ by police force

A police officer who allegedly failed to circulate images of a suspected acid attacker has been placed under investigation.

The detective constable was investigating a March 2017 acid attack in north London, which led to a woman suffering hand and leg injuries.

Although the officer obtained CCTV images of the incident, but allegedly did not “circulate” them to the Metropolitan Police's database for identification until November 2018 – 20 months later.

Three days after the images were shared, the suspect was identified as Xeneral Webster.

During that time however, Webster had been arrested and later handed a 17-year prison sentence for manslaughter following a separate acid attack in High Wycombe in June 2017.

Joanne Rand, a 47-year-old nurse, was caught in the midst of an argument over drugs between Webster and another man. She was splashed with the corrosive substance and subsequently died from her injuries.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the detective constable for possible gross misconduct and alleged breaches of professional standards.

The probe will look at the officer’s handling of the case and the reason for any delay in submitting the CCTV images.

Xeneral Webster, 19, admitted manslaughter after a nurse died in acid attack (Thames Valley Police)

The watchdog said it had informed Ms Rand’s family last week about the circumstances around Webster.

In a statement, the family said: "We are deeply upset and disappointed. This was hard news to hear as we are all still struggling to cope with the loss of Jo.

“Had this acid attack in March 2017 been investigated properly at the time, Webster the alleged perpetrator would have been dealt with and may not have been free to carry out the horrific attack in June 2017 on Jo and she may still be with us. We feel let down by the Metropolitan Police.”

IOPC regional director Jonathan Green said the investigation would examine “the very serious question” about the way in which the officer may have handled a crucial piece of evidence.

“Undoubtedly the escalation in acid attacks is alarming and Londoners will expect that the Metropolitan Police Service treat all reported incidents of such attacks seriously and to investigate them thoroughly,” he said.

“Our investigation will be rigorous in challenging how this evidence relating to the circulation of CCTV images was handled and seek to uncover whether other victims of crime may have been impacted upon as a result of any shortfalls.”

Additional reporting by Press Association