The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has announced it will reopen its investigation into Leicestershire Police’s handling of assault allegations against Valdo Calocane, following new evidence provided by the force.
The allegations, concerning an attack on two co-workers in Kegworth in May 2023, came just a month before Calocane killed Ian Coates, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Barnaby Webber in Nottingham on 13 June. The decision to reinvestigate follows representations made by the bereaved families, prompting further enquiries with Leicestershire Police and the disclosure of previously unavailable evidence.
Background and Initial Investigation
The IOPC had concluded its initial investigation into Leicestershire Police’s handling of the assault allegations in September 2024. The inquiry determined that three officers were to face a misconduct meeting. However, this disciplinary process was postponed in light of emerging evidence.
The reopened investigation will examine whether officers handling the case had access to, or overlooked, critical information regarding Calocane’s prior history and an outstanding arrest warrant before the case was closed.
IOPC Statement
IOPC Director Derrick Campbell addressed the decision, stating:
“Our sympathies remain with the families of Ian, Barnaby, and Grace. We have received numerous representations from them and have responded as soon as we were in a position to provide additional details requested. This aligns with our commitment to ensuring interested parties can effectively participate in our investigations.”
He added:
“For a matter to be reopened by the IOPC, it must meet specific criteria, including the emergence of significant new information requiring further scrutiny. In this case, we have carefully considered the new evidence and will conduct further enquiries to determine what officers actually saw on police systems regarding Calocane, including the outstanding warrant for his arrest.”
“All those closely impacted by our decision, including the bereaved families and the officers involved, have been notified, and we will complete this work as swiftly as possible.”
Potential Disciplinary Action
The IOPC has clarified that any decision regarding disciplinary outcomes will be made only after the new evidence has been fully analyzed.
“Our Director General, Rachel Watson, has offered to meet with the families of Ian, Barnaby, and Grace to discuss this development and address any concerns they may have,” Campbell concluded.
The case continues to raise questions about police oversight and whether critical warning signs were missed in handling Calocane’s violent history before the tragic Nottingham attacks.
