AN independent investigation has found that police officers who were contacted about Chris Grady on six occasions before he murdered his daughter “did not do anything wrong” and could not have prevented the tragedy.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) managed an investigation by West Mercia Police into prior contact between the force and the family.

The trial was told that Grady and Kim Smith were involved in a bitter dispute about custody of their children, Gabby and Ryan.

Miss Smith contacted police in November 2009 after Grady said to her: “If I can’t have the kids, you can’t.”

IPCC commissioner Len Jackson said: “The investigation identified that some aspects of how the previous incidents were managed and the risk assessments made could have been dealt with differently, but that the officers involved did not do anything wrong.

“It further found that the recommendations made would not have affected the outcome in this very sad case.

“The officers who responded to the incident at the river Avon tried very hard to save both children.”

Mr Jackson said the issues raised in the probe related to how risk assessments were made following calls to the police about Grady and how officers completed report forms.

He said: “These matters have been taken up by the force, who have reviewed its processes and ensured that officers are made aware of best practice and force policy.”

Mr Jackson said: “This was a terrible and tragic incident in which a young girl died and I extend my condolences to the family at this very difficult time.”

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