THE family of a man found dead have called for changes in Hampshire police amid a probe into officers' conduct.

Blind cancer-sufferer Mark Williams, 60, was found dead under his fourth-floor balcony at Potters Court, a city council block with assisted living flats in Southampton.

His distressed daughter Lucy Williams complained to Hampshire police saying her father's body was not properly covered, officers were rude and she and her sister Jessy had been asked to leave.

An internal probe dismissed much of the complaint - but a review has now found officers did not 'communicate effectively with you as a grieving family member'.

Professional Standards must now reinvestigate the complaint over police handling of the November 2021 death.

Speaking to the Echo, Jessy said: "It was absolutely disgusting. My sister tried to cover my dad’s body and they threatened to arrest her.

“They told us to go home. They told us it would be dignified. But when we went back, my dad was still completely exposed.”

The sisters also claimed that officers told them the death was a suicide even though an investigation had not yet concluded.

Jessy added: “I want changes made to the police force. I really don’t want this to happen to somebody else.”

The conduct probe has been re-opened following a review by an investigator from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The review report said those investigating the complaints “did not follow the four principles of reasonable and proportionate complaint handling.”

It added: “The lines of enquiry were not tailored to the seriousness of your complaint and consideration was not given to seeking specialist advice from senior officers for their review of the action taken by police and compliance with police policy and procedure for a sudden death.”

The report said the complaint investigator had 'lacked empathy' in some of his response. 

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We can confirm that we have received the outcome of a review by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight following an initial investigation into a public complaint regarding police attendance at a man’s death.

“The review concluded that four principles of complaint handling had not been followed, which we have accepted, and our Professional Standards Department has re-opened the investigation to carry out the necessary enquiries that should have been considered as part of the original complaint.”

Apex Care said it was deeply saddened by Mr Williams’ death and a new management team was now in place.

The CQC rates Apex Care at Potters Court as requires improvement.

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