Met faces investigation over ‘mishandling’ of death of student found in hotel with older men
Ed Cornes was found dead in October 2021. Just two days after his first term at University College London. (Facebook)
The Metropolitan Police is facing an investigation over its handling of the death of 19-year-old student Edward Cornes, who was found in a hotel room in King’s Cross in 2021.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it has launched an investigation into multiple complaints, including alleged failures in the original inquiry, the handling of the inquest, and communication with Cornes’ family.
Cornes died in a hotel near University College London shortly after starting his studies.
A post-mortem found drugs including GHB and methamphetamine in his system, and his death was later ruled drug-related.
Two men present at the time were arrested but faced no charges after police deemed the death non-suspicious.
The case has drawn further scrutiny following claims officers failed to pursue key lines of inquiry and lost potential evidence, including CCTV and forensic samples, as per The Times.
Cornes’ family have also alleged homophobic attitudes during the investigation and inquest, including offensive characterisations made about the teenager.
His family say they hope the investigation will finally provide answers and accountability, amid ongoing concerns about how LGBTQ+ victims are treated by police.
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