The Independent Office of Police Conduct is looking into the handling of the Owami Davies investigation, after it was revealed that officers from the Metropolitan Police spoke to the student nurse in Croydon on July 6 – the very day she had been reported missing by her family in Essex.
Body cam: Owami Davies as recorded by Met officers in Croydon on July 6
Met officers were responding to reports of concerns for the welfare of a woman at Clarendon Road, West Croydon, when they spoke to Davies.
Recordings from an officer’s body-worn cameras show the 24-year-old looking dishevelled.
But the police in south London at the time had no idea that Davies was a missing person because the database had not been updated by Essex Police.
It is now nearly six weeks since Owami Davies left her home in Grays, Essex. The last confirmed sightings of her were in Croydon on July 7.
But this morning the Sunday Mirror has reported on how the police had spoken with her in Croydon on July 6.
The police have made five arrests in connection with Davies’s disappearance, two on suspicion of murder and three on kidnapping. All have been released on bail.
The Metropolitan Police has said the case remains a missing persons investigation.
Police have trawled through 50,000 hours of CCTV in the investigation. One video clip shows Davies walking past a shop on London Road, looking uncomfortable and possible distressed.
British Transport Police have joined the search, suggesting that the woman may be using public transport between Croydon and Essex, and in a “dazed and confused” state. “Owami has been depressed and in the absence of her medication, may use alcohol to relieve her depression,” they said.
Last night, the IOPC issued a statement: “We can confirm that we received a referral on August 5 from the Metropolitan Police Service in relation to contact officers had with Owami Davies in Croydon on July 6, after she had been reported missing to Essex Police.
“We are currently assessing the available information to determine what further action may be required.”
Met said, “On Wednesday, 6 July officers were called to Clarendon Road, Croydon. There were concerns for the welfare of a woman at the location.
“Officers attended and called [an ambulance], but the woman stated she did not want assistance and left. As a result of the subsequent missing person investigation, this woman has been confirmed as Owami Davies.
“The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards were consulted and, as there has been contact with police, the IOPC were informed. The IOPC has requested the matter be referred to them.
“The officers are not subject to any current investigation by the DPS.
“The interaction recorded on the officers’ body-worn video has been viewed by members of the Independent Advisory Group and Owami’s family to ensure openness and transparency.”
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