Police referred to watchdog following murder

A police force has referred itself to the watchdog over a woman's murder.

Laura Robson, 37, died shortly after being found by emergency services at a house in Gateshead in July, with Ben Hughes, 38, admitting her murder at Newcastle Crown Court on 11 November.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it had received a referral from Northumbria Police regarding its response time to a concern for welfare report on 22 July.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said it had carried out its own investigation following IOPC advice and the final report had been sent for review.

The IOPC said it determined an investigation was required into whether "police could have arrived at the scene sooner and to consider whether this may have prevented the outcome".

However, a spokesperson said as the time of Ms Robson's death was "unclear at the time of referral" taken by the force, it determined their involvement was not required and passed the investigation back to Northumbria Police.

They added the force had shown evidence of "some positive action".

Northumbria Police said the referral to the IOPC was "mandatory given the circumstances surrounding the case".

"Our thoughts very much continue to be with the loved ones of Laura Robson following her tragic death," a force spokesperson said.

Ms Robson's mother, Jill Evans, previously said words could "not describe" the pain caused by her daughter's death.

She described her as a "shining light" and a "very kind lass", adding: "We will always love you Laura."

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