Sian Blake murder: IPCC launches investigation into police handling of ex-EastEnders star's disappearance

An investigation has been launched into the police's handling of the disappearance of former EastEnders actress Sian Blake and her two children, who were found earlier this week.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said it will examine the Metropolitan Police's "response, actions and decision making" after concerns were raised about Ms Blake's welfare.

The bodies of the 43-year-old and her two young sons, Zachary, eight, and Amon, four, were discovered buried in the garden of their Erith home on Tuesday.

The three family members died as a result of head and neck injuries, police say.

Arthur Simpson-Kent, Ms Blake's former partner and the father of the two children, is still being hunted by police in connection with the triple murder inquiry.

ITV News obtained a picture of the 48-year-old arriving in Ghana - just three days after being questioned by police over his family's disappearance.

Ms Blake's sister Ava urged Simpson-Kent to return to the UK to answer questions about her relatives' deaths.

She claimed her sister - who had motor neurone disease, was planning to leave Simpson-Kent at the time of her disappearance.

In a statement confirming the investigation into the Met's work, IPCC Associate Commissioner Tom Milsom said: