Police watchdog drops investigation into GMP's handling of Yousef Makki case

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has dropped an investigation into Greater Manchester Police's handling of the Yousef Makki case.

The 17-year-old scholarship pupil at Manchester Grammar School was knifed in the heart by his friend, former public schoolboy Joshua Molnar, during a fight in Hale Barns on March 2 last year.

Molnar claimed the incident was self-defence and was acquitted of murder and manslaughter by a jury after a trial at Manchester Crown Court last July, but admitted lying to police and possession of a knife and was given 16 months in custody.

After the case, Yousef's family said they were "extremely" unhappy with investigations carried out by both Cheshire Police and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) around the case, and the forces referred themselves to the IOPC.

On Thursday, IOPC regional director Amanda Rowe said an initial probe into GMP's criminal investigation had been discontinued after finding "no potential misconduct by any individual officer".

The investigation into Cheshire Constabulary's response to incidents prior to Mr Makki's death continues.

Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said: "It is important that we conducted a thorough review of our investigation into the tragic circumstances surrounding Yousef's death, which the IOPC has recognised.

"This remains a difficult time for the Makki family and I hope this brings some reassurance of our commitment to reviewing our actions."