Police watchdog to investigate bullying claims after trainee West Yorkshire PC took his own life

  • Video report by Granada Reports correspondent Anna Youssef

The police watchdog will investigate claims a student police officer took his own life after experiencing "bullying and institutional racism" while on the job.

PC Anugrah Abraham was studying for a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship while working for West Yorkshire Police when he was found dead.

The 21-year-old, known as Anu, disappeared after having breakfast with his parents in Bury, Greater Manchester on 3 March.

He was found dead by a dog walker near where he lived, in the Radcliffe area, the following day.

Family of trainee PC demand probe into suicide amid 'bullying' claims

Initially the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) did not launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Anu's death, and instead allowed West Yorkshire Police to investigate itself.

Anu's family fought against the decision, claiming the force should not be allowed to conduct its own investigation as it had "failed" him and he had suffered because of his ethnicity.

The IOPC said it had initially decided a "local investigation" should take place as it was "in line with our view that, normally, investigations relating to how forces treat and support the welfare and wellbeing of their employees, should be investigated by the relevant professional standards department."

Anu (l) with his father, Amar Abraham. Anu went missing shortly after having breakfast with his parents earlier this month. Credit: Family picture

But now, following requests from Anu’s family and the force’s own Chief Constable, the watchdog has agreed the inquiry into the allegations should be handled independently.

Anu's family said they were "relieved" the watchdog was now investigating, and urged it to carry out a "fearless and thorough investigation".

"It was always the case that the public interest was at the core of why a full independent investigation into our son, Anugrah Abraham’s death was necessary," a statement said.

"We, his family, are relieved that the IOPC has decided to reverse its earlier decision not to order such an investigation.

"The focus now is on what happened in West Yorkshire Police Force that led to Anugrah's death.

"We believe that he was the victim of an embedded culture of racism, bullying and intimidation as has been made clear to us by a number of Anugrah’s colleagues who have corroborated our allegations. All of this must be fully investigated by the IOPC.

"We reiterate that we will not grieve silently and allow those at West Yorkshire Police who caused Anugrah’s death to walk away without being held accountable.

"We expect the IOPC to carry out a fearless and thorough investigation and for it to be completed as soon as possible.

"The family must also be at the heart of their investigation and we will be seeking an urgent meeting with the IOPC investigators to discuss this further. "

Anu with his mother, Sonia, who said she felt "helpless" while her son struggled at work. Credit: Family picture

IOPC regional director Emily Barry said: “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Anu, as well as all those affected by his death.

“Having carefully considered representations made to us on this matter, we have determined it is now in the public interest for us to independently investigate these serious allegations.

“We have contacted Anu’s family, and West Yorkshire Police, to make them aware of our decision.”

West Yorkshire Police said it will fully co-operate with the IOPC during the investigation.

"We welcome the decision by the watchdog to manage this as an independent investigation," it said in a statement.

"In fact the Chief Constable had already written to them supporting the same course of action. We will of course fully co-operate with their investigation."