'Without doubt, we could have prevented the murder of Bijan Ebrahimi' says Police Chief

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police has spoken publicly following the conclusion of the Bijan Ebrahimi hearings.

Two police officers were dismissed without notice following a public hearing led by an independent legally qualified chair.

Mr Ebrahimi, 44, was beaten to death and his body set on fire by neighbour Lee James, who wrongly believed he was a paedophile.

James was sentenced to 18 years in jail.

Following a lengthy investigation, the IPCC identified 10 police officers and 9 police staff with a case to answer for misconduct.

Of these 19 officers and staff, four of them - PC Kevin Duffy, PC Helen Harris, PC Leanne Winter and PCSO Andrew Passmore - were charged with the criminal offence of misconduct in public office.

Andy Marsh says he's apologised to the family for the force's failure to protect Mr Ebrahimi:

He says he's promised Ebrahimi's sisters that there are many lessons the force can learn from the handling of his case.

What has the force learnt?

He says he accepts the force could have prevented the death of Mr Ebrahimi and for that he is deeply sorry.

Has this case damaged the reputation of Avon and Somerset police?