Search for Richard Scatchard not misconduct, police say

Richard Scatchard is not thought to be a danger to the general public but has used dating apps in the past, police say

A police force says it will not be referring itself to the Independent Office for Police Misconduct (IOPC) over the search for a sex offender.

Avon and Somerset Police officers are currently trying to track down Richard Scatchard, after his partner was found dead at his home in Minehead.

The public were not initially informed that Scatchard was a convicted sex offender.

The force says a review into the case continues to "identify any learnings".

Kelly Faiers, 61, from Weston-super-Mare was found "critically ill" before dying in Minehead on 15 October.

Despite approximately 80 reported sightings to police, Scatchard, 70, has not been seen since the following day.

A force spokesperson told the BBC: "An initial assessment of the response on Sunday 15 October has been carried out and it is not considered to be of misconduct level and/or requiring an IOPC referral based on the current situation.

"A review into the response continues - ie to identify any learnings."

• Women 'dont feel safe'

Avon and Somerset Police did not tell the public that Scatchard was a convicted sex offender, when the force made an initial appeal over his disappearance.

"I can understand people's anger, but the police's primary duty is to the preservation of life," Det Ch Insp Aston explained at the time.

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