Probe into top cop is no less than she deserves

Nottingham stabbings families' fury over police chief press gag"

- SASKIA ROWLANDS

A CHIEF Constable is to be investigated by the police watchdog over claims that she covered up failings linked to the Nottingham stabbings.

Kate Meynell will face an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) probe after she allegedly tried to stop journalists revealing knifeman Valdo Calocane had been reported twice to cops for stalking before killing Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates in 2023.

Ms Meynell called a private press briefing to reveal the two incidents - but then made reporters sign NonDisclosure Agreements forbidding them from publishing what she said.

After the Nottingham Post revealed the alleged gagging attempt, the victims' furious families sent a formal complaint to the city's Police and Crime Commissioner, claiming the press briefing in February was improper and a bid to avoid negative headlines.

COMPLAINT