Police watchdog to probe officers' contact with alleged Plymouth murder victim Keith Dance

THE Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has formally confirmed it has begun a probe into police contact ahead of the death of a Plymouth man.

Keith Dance's body was found earlier this month in a flat in Molesworth Road, in Stoke.

Two people - Jacqueline Cooke, aged 29, and Ian Gollop, aged 50 - have since been charged with the 33-year-old's murder.

The IPCC said it had started an independent investigation following a referral from Devon and Cornwall Police.

As The Herald had reported previously, there was police contact prior to the death of Mr Dance.

IPCC Commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne said: "IPCC investigators will carry out this investigation and we will ensure that Mr Dance's family are kept regularly informed of its progress.

"There is a criminal investigation being carried out by the police service and two people have been charged with Mr Dance's murder.

"The police investigation will take priority and we will make arrangements to share relevant evidence for the two separate investigations.

"The IPCC will issue more details about its investigation when it is in a position to do so.”