Norwich deaths: Police staff member could face disciplinary proceedings

Bartlomiej Kuczynski, 45, Kanticha Sukpengpanao, 36, 12-year-old Jasmin Kuczynska, and Natasha Kuczynska, aged eight, were found dead by police officers in January

A police civilian staff member could face disciplinary action after four people died from stab wounds.

Bartlomiej Kuczynski, 45, Kanticha Sukpengpanao, 36, Jasmin Kuczynska, 12, and Natasha Kuczynska, eight. were found at a house in Costessey, Norfolk, on 19 January.

Watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) issued a gross misconduct notice.

Norfolk Police referred itself after it did not respond to an initial call.

A post-mortem examination found all four were stabbed in the neck.

Mr Kuczynski's death was not treated as suspicious but the other three have been treated as murder.

The four bodies were discovered by police at a house in Allan Bedford Crescent following a call from a member of the public.

An IOPC spokesman told the BBC: "We can confirm, as part of our ongoing investigation into the tragic deaths of four people on 19 January, we have served a gross misconduct notice on a Norfolk Constabulary staff member.

"Following a mandatory referral from Norfolk, we began an independent investigation into the contact the force had with Bartlomiej Kuczynski shortly before his body and three other bodies were discovered by police in a house in Costessey".

The IOPC did not give the reason for its decision, nor did it name the staff member.

The watchdog is also examining the police's contact with Mr Kuczynski before the discovery of the bodies.

"The serving of a conduct notice does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow" the spokesman added.

IOPC referral

Norfolk Police had referred itself to the independent watchdog after revealing that it had not initially responded to a 999 call from the house in Allan Bedford Crescent where the four bodies were later found.

On 21 January, the IOPC confirmed Mr Kuczynski had made the call shortly before 06:00 GMT stating that he was confused and worried about his mental state.

It is understood he was advised to seek medical advice and contact the NHS on 111.

Police did not arrive until after a second 999 call an hour later from a member of the public and forced their way into the house.

It had also since emerged Mr Kuczynski had been taken to hospital by police weeks before he was found dead.

A spokesman for Norfolk Police said: "We are aware of the process involving the member of Norfolk Constabulary police staff but cannot offer comment on specific details given the IOPC are carrying out the independent investigation.

"The constabulary continues to co-operate with the IOPC and can confirm the staff member has been suspended while the investigation establishes the facts" they added.