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The family of a mum who took her own life after she reported being domestically abused have accused Lancashire Police of failing her as the force comes under fire for its handling of Nicola Bulley’s disappearance.
Kiena Dawes accused Lancashire Police of failing her in a damning line written in her suicide note, which read: “I hope my life saves another by police services acting faster.”
While the mum-of-one was classified by the force as “high risk”, the same as Nicola Bulley, her family have accused police of not prioritising her domestic abuse allegations.
The 23-year-old threw herself in front of a train last July after she was reported missing after she left her infant with a close friend and disappeared.
Her brother, Kynan, 30, of Lytham St Annes, told The Sun: “They let down Kiena in life — and failed her in her last moments.
“She felt the police weren’t doing anything to help her despite reports of domestic violence.
“They just said they were looking for her…but the train found her first.
“They don’t act quick enough. They never do. They weren’t interested.”
He said once the family found the note, which was left at a friend’s house, they called police straight away with key information that could have easily been used to track her white BMW down.
“All they had to do was go on the ANPR cameras,” he said.
“She was clearly a high-risk missing person but they didn’t prioritise her case.”
He added he felt sympathy for Nicola Bulley’s family because of how long he had to wait for the police to tell him about his sister's fate: “That was the longest five hours of my life but poor Nicola Bulley’s family had to wait three weeks. That’s brutal.”
Lancashire Police told The Daily Star Kiena’s alleged abuser, 29, was arrested on suspicion of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour, and remains on bail, adding: "We remain in regular dialogue with Kiena‘s family and they continue to be supported by specially-trained officers. Our thoughts remain with them at this time".
They declined to comment further, saying: “It would be inappropriate to comment on that case while criminal proceedings remain ongoing."
The UK’s police watchdog, the IOPC, told The Sun that after Lancashire Police referred itself to them, they informed an unnamed officer at the force they “have been served notice for potential gross misconduct”.
“This does not necessarily mean misconduct proceedings will follow”, the watchdog added.
The Daily Star has contacted Lancashire Police and the IOPC for comment.
If you or someone you know is struggling and needs to talk, call the free Samaritans helpline 24/7 on 116 123. You can also email [email protected] or find your local branch online.
- Family
- Missing Person
- Police
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