Police investigated the handling of an allegation of stalking before his death

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Two police officers are under investigation for misconduct in their handling of a stalking allegation made by Gracie Spinks several months before she was killed, the police watchdog confirmed.

A total of five officers are under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Ms Spinks, 23, was found fatally stabbed in a field in Duckmanton, Derbyshire on June 18.

Michael Sellar, who Ms Spinks reported to police in February on criminal harassment charges, is suspected of having killed the 35-year-old. Her body was found shortly after Ms Spinks’ death.

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The IOPC also said three other Derbyshire Police officers could face misconduct lawsuits over the actions they took after a bag of weapons, including a hammer, ax and knives , was discovered in May near where Ms Spinks was found dead.

A sergeant and a police officer received notices of misconduct regarding the handling of the criminal harassment complaint, while another police sergeant received a notice of serious misconduct regarding the action taken regarding the weapons stash , along with two other officers who were served with notices of misconduct, the IOPC said.

IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “We have made good progress, but our investigation is ongoing and there is still work to be done. After reviewing the evidence to date, we have reached a point where we have now served disciplinary notices on five officers.

“The purpose of these notices is to inform officers that their conduct is under investigation and does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow.

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“The meaning of the notices will be kept under review. We are unable to provide further details at this time, but we appreciate the impact that Gracie’s death has had on the local community and beyond and the importance of keeping people up to date with the progress of our investigation.

“We are keeping Gracie’s family informed and we note the work they have undertaken with others to campaign for Gracie’s Law to better protect victims of stalking.”

Ms Spinks’ mother told Sky News: “It means we can have some kind of justice for Gracie,” she said.

“I totally believe that if the police had done their job properly, Gracie would be alive.”

Additional report from the Press Association.

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