Met to probe own contact with beach murder suspect

Amie Gray (left) was described by her wife Sian Gray as "the most loving wife and mother"

A police watchdog has told the Metropolitan Police it is "best placed" to investigate contact its own officers had with a man who was later charged with murdering a woman in Bournemouth.

Nasen Saadi, 20, from Croydon, is charged with murdering Amie Gray, a 34-year-old personal trainer, on Durley Chine beach on 24 May.

He is also charged with the attempted murder of Leanne Miles, 38.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) received a mandatory complaint referral from the Met in June, regarding the handling of "an allegation" in February, after the force received a complaint "from a third party".

Amie Gray and Leanne Miles were stabbed on Durley Chine beach

An IOPC spokesperson said “After carefully considering the referral we have decided that an investigation is required and that the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards is best placed to conduct it.

"If the complainant is unhappy with the outcome of the investigation they will have a right of review to the IOPC, providing a level of independent oversight.

"The Met has also been reminded that if, during their investigation, there is an indication of a conduct matter or that any officer may have committed a criminal offence, it must refer the matter to us.”

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said the IOPC had "referred the matter back to us for local investigation. This remains ongoing".

Mr Saadi's trial is set for 25 November, with a plea hearing due to take place on 12 September at Winchester Crown Court.