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Update on investigation into Metropolitan Police response to Barking deaths

Factual summary of a published IOPC investigation, covering the incident, key findings and outcome.

All IOPC reports
Published
2016-11-23
Force involved
Metropolitan Police Service

What was investigated

Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigators are examining the police response to the deaths of four men in east London following the convictions of Stephen Port. The investigation is focused on the MPS response and how officers handled the initial investigations into the deaths.

Key findings

  • The MPS made a voluntary referral to the IPCC after concerns were identified.
  • Seven MPS officers received gross misconduct notices related to the investigations.
  • Ten officers received misconduct notices, covering a range of ranks from constable to inspector.
  • The notices relate to the police response before the homicide investigation was launched.
  • Issues include how evidence was examined and similarities between the cases were assessed.
  • There are concerns regarding whether discrimination influenced police actions.
  • The IPCC seeks information from witnesses who interacted with the police about the case.

Outcome

The investigation is ongoing, with the IPCC urging witnesses to come forward.

Read the full report on policeconduct.gov.uk

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Reviewed by the BlueLineHub Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 13 July 2026 · Next review due: 13 January 2027

This is a factual summary of a report published by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Individuals are referred to exactly as the source report anonymises them. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the IOPC · Summarised 2026-07-13.