Fiona Pilkington's family to sue police and councils

A jury inquest said the response of the police and the two councils 'contributed' to the deaths

The family of a Leicestershire woman who killed herself and her disabled daughter after suffering years of abuse from local youths is to sue the police.

Fiona Pilkington, 38, drove herself and 18-year-old Francecca to a lay-by and set fire to the car in October 2007.

An inquest jury found the family's cries for help had been ignored.

Leicestershire Police, the county council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, confirmed that a legal case is being brought against them.

The home of single mother Ms Pilkington was repeatedly targeted by groups of up to 16 youngsters, with stones, eggs and flour thrown at the house.

Police were contacted 33 times in 10 years but the family only received eight visits from officers, an inquest last year heard.

IPCC investigation

The force admitted many of Ms Pilkington's calls were not linked and were classified as anti-social behaviour rather than crime.

The inquest jury returned verdicts of suicide and unlawful killing, and said the response of the police and two local councils had contributed to the deaths.

An inquiry by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) into the way police handled the family's complaints is ongoing.

Leicestershire Police said they were aware of a writ being issued by the family, while Hinckley and Bosworth Council said it had received a pre-action letter.

A Leicestershire County Council spokesman said the authority had also received a letter and was currently considering its response.