West Mercia Police investigated over murderer Jamie Reynolds

In 2008 he attempted to strangle a teenage girl, following the incident he was cautioned by West Mercia Police.

In May 2013 he murdered 17-year-old Georgia Williams at his home address in Wellington. Her body was found in woodland off the Nant-y-Garth pass near Wrexham following a nationwide appeal.

Reynolds pleaded guilty to murdering the Wellington teenager at Stafford Crown Court on 2 December 2013. He had previously given a not guilty plea when he appeared at Birmingham Crown Court in October.

He was sentenced to a full life term for her murder by Justice Willkie.

In January 2014 West Mercia Police referred the police handling of previous incidents involving Jamie Reynolds to the Independent Police Complaints Commission with the strong recommendation that an independent investigation be carried out.

On Friday 14 March the commission informed West Mercia Police that their recommendation was that such an investigation should be managed locally by the force itself.

West Mercia Police asked Devon and Cornwall Police to conduct an investigation and senior officers from Devon and Cornwall have already visited Telford meeting with Georgia's parents and other complainants.

In a statement issued today West Mercia Police said:

Our officers and staff strive to provide the best possible service to the public and it’s important to examine previous incidents involving Jamie Reynolds to ascertain whether those investigations fell short of what is expected.

The force said their thoughts were very much with Georgia Williams' family and friends and through the investigation and the Discretionary Serious Case Review. The force said it was determined to fully examine the circumstances that led to her tragic death, to provide her family with answers and to learn how it can further improve to ensure young people are protected.