Six more police officers investigated over photos of murdered sisters

A further six Metropolitan police officers are facing possible misconduct charges in relation to “inappropriate” photographs allegedly taken of the bodies of two murdered sisters in a London park.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been conducting a criminal investigation into serious allegations of misconduct following the incident in June, when Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, were found stabbed to death in Fryent country park in Wembley.

Allegations were put forward that two officers took “non-official and inappropriate photographs” of the women’s bodies and shared on a private WhatsApp group.

The two officers, both based at the Met’s north-east command unit, were arrested by the IOPC on 22 June and later released on bail under investigation.

But the watchdog said that during its investigation “further evidence” had emerged that resulted in six further Met officers being placed under investigation for alleged misconduct.

The allegations are that the officers were aware of, or had either separately received or viewed the photographs. They are now under investigation for failing to either challenge or report these matters.

The IOPC director for London, Sal Naseem, said: “I am deeply concerned by the issues emerging from our investigation. Policing is founded on community consent, confidence and cooperation. The public have a right to expect high standards of professional behaviour from police. These allegations, if true, breach that trust and may point to more serious issues around the organisational culture, which we will also be looking at.

“The evidence we have seen provides a salient reminder to all police officers to take responsibility for addressing wrongdoing and upholding professional standards in their own ranks, and their obligation to speak out if they see unacceptable behaviour.”

The mother of the murdered women, Mina Smallman, the Church of England’s first female archdeacon from a black or minority ethnic background, previously condemned the officers and the culture of the force, claiming racial stereotyping played a part.

A statement from the Met police said: “These matters are being independently investigated by the IOPC and the MPS is providing full support.”