Family of Taunton barman who died in 2015 say he was murdered and criticise investigation

Police told Josh Clayton's family his death wasn't suspicious after his body was found. Credit: Family

The family of a barman from Taunton whose body was found washed up on rocks on the Isles of Scilly two years ago have told ITV News they believe he was murdered - and launched a scathing attack on the police for their handling of the investigation.

Devon and Cornwall Police told the family of Josh Clayton his death wasn't suspicious after the 23-year-old's body was found off the island of Tresco in September 2015.

Earlier this year the force's major crime team took over the investigation into the Taunton barman's death after his inquest was dramatically halted when new evidence came to light.

The new investigation has yet to be completed - but Josh's family are convinced he was murdered.

Speaking for the first time since Josh's death, his brother Ashley said:

''He was murdered and they put him in the sea. Somebody did that to him without a doubt. The police did not listen to us when we were beating the drum - there are many more questions to be asked about what happened."

Josh worked on the island of Tresco as a bar manager. Credit: Family

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed their new investigation would be complete by the end of the year.

Timeline of events surrounding Josh's death:

  • Evening of September 12th - he attends a party for estate workers on the island.

  • September 13th - he fails to turn up for work and is reported missing.

  • September 23rd - his body is found on rocks after extensive search.

Josh had been attending a party for people working on the estate. Credit: Family

What amazed Josh's family after the discovery of his body was, they say, the handling of the police investigation. After the post-mortem was carried out - officers gave permission for his clothes to be burnt.

At the time the police believed Josh had walked or stumbled into the sea after making his way home from a party. His family say it wouldn't have made sense for him to go this way - as there was a much quicker walk home.

Josh's family are unhappy the new investigation into his death is being carried out by Devon and Cornwall Police, rather than an outside force.

Josh's mother Tracey said: "I cannot even start to grieve because of the way the police have messed up the investigation. If they had paid attention to our concerns things would have been different. There was no caring or empathy from the police at first and we could never got hold of them. We were never even given a family liaison officer because we were told Josh's death didn't warrant it."

Police say the new investigation into Josh's death is expected to be complete by the end of the year. Credit: Family

Devon and Cornwall Police said the new investigation into Josh's death was expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Detective Superintendent Steve Parker, senior investigating officer, said:

"Dorset Police have completed their review of the original investigation and identified some organisational learning. Josh Clayton's family have been informed of this but the disclosure of the report and its findings will only be considered once the investigation is complete.

"I have met with the Clayton family to inform them of our plans and intentions in relation to the investigation. I will continue to keep them fully informed of any developments.

"Josh's death had a devastating impact on the family and we have specially trained officers supporting them. My thoughts and sympathies remain with the family at this difficult time."